Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth

Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust

Page 173

The Story of Dhannya began to think "I will never marry any body other than him.". From that time she used to rest her cheek on her left palm and parched her lips with her long, hot sighs and passed her time thus, doing nothing else,
The attendants informed the King of this. The King asked his equerry to call Dhannya from Kusumapala's house. He ( Dhannya ) bowed and was asked to be seated on a high seat ( a place of honour ). Seeing his beauty, like that of a youth from heaven, the King thought: “ My daughter has bestowed her love on a fit person. It is but just that a Naga creeper should ascend a mango-tree. " He called his daughter.
There she came, looking wistfully around the Hall of Audience. They two ( Dhannya and the Princess ) looked in surprise at each other without the Hicker of an eyelid. And truly beside them a divine couple were but a mockery (in point of beauty ). The King said to Dhannya: “I have given my daughter to you.” He was overcome with delight and gazed on the Princess. Then Somashri, with folded hands, bowed to her father and said: “ In the same way, let my two friends have this husband. ” “ If it pleases you,” said the King, “ let it be so." Afterwards Somashri told her friends of the King's words. Their parents, too, were much pleased, and gave their daughters to Dhannya. The King with much pomp inarried the three to Dhannya, Gobhadra and Kusumapala also incurring much expense therein.
Dhannya lived happily in the White House bestowed on him by the King along with other gifts such as elephants, horses, gold, clothes and such things. Thus Dhannya had immense wealth in his house.
Once he happened to see through the window his father and mother wandering in the street, in a wretched state, and in dirty clothes. He told his man to bring them before him. They bathed them (the parents ), adorned them with good clothes and brought them in. The moment they saw Dhannya, both clasped him round the neck, and began to cry. After they were seated comfortably, Dhannya bowed to them and said in a choked voice: “ You, who did not know what poverty was, are now suffering through your own deeds. Tell me, father,
.: 94;
[ Shree Atmaramji