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KING HANSA
40 - King Hansa
In the city of Räjpur, there lived a King named Hansa. He was a fair and just King, known for his devotion to truth and non-violence. On top of Mount Ratnasringa, there was a beautiful temple dedicated to Bhagawan Rishabhadev, the first Tirthankar. During the month of Chaitra, on the day of the full moon, people came from far to visit and worship at the temple. Once, King Hansa decided to visit the temple. He asked his council of ministers to look after the kingdom during his prolonged absence and left with members of the royal household on this spiritual mission. A few days after King Hansa departed, King Arjun attacked the city. In spite of putting up a strong fight, King Hansa's army was defeated, and many of the generals lost their lives on the battlefield. King Arjun gained control of the palace and the treasury. King Arjun occupied the royal throne and enforced his authority over the entire kingdom. King Hansa heard the story of their defeat on the way to the temple. The King's courtiers were very upset and advised him to return to the city. The King said, "I have given up control of the kingdom and as we are on a spiritual mission, that is what we should be thinking about. So let us keep going to the temple." The King's courtiers were unhappy about the King's decision and worried about the safety of their families at home. One by one, they all dropped out until only one umbrella bearer remained with the King.
King Hansa avoiding the hunter's question to protect a deer
On the way to the temple, they had to pass through the forest. The King took off his royal dress and jewelry and gave them to his servant. While passing through the forest, the servant was separated from the King. As the King was walking, a deer ran in front of him and disappeared. Right after that, a hunter came running with a bow in his hand and asked the King if he had seen the deer. The King knew that if he told the truth, the deer would be killed. He decided not to answer the question and instead kept talking about irrelevant things. He said that he came from Räjpur. The hunter asked him again about the deer, and he answered that he was the King. The hunter was very upset with his answers and left in anger. By now, the King was tired and decided to rest under a tree. He overheard a discussion in the bushes about robbing some monks who would pass that way in the next two days. The King got concerned about the safety of the monks.
JAIN STORY BOOK
151
