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[The Married Life of Prince Vardhamana
Vardhamana, for he had amazed and own the hearts of people by means of his good qualities. It was therefore his sincere desire that wise Vardhamana should assume the reins of government so that he might get an apportunity for devoting himself to spiritual culture, uncumbered by worldly cares. But it was quite impossible for Vardhamana to accept the proposal of his elder brother and that for two reasons, firstly to'accept the crown was to go against the national convention and secondly, his life itself was consecrated to some other purpose. The first and the last mission of his life was to gain complete possession over spritual kingdom which was everlasting. How could then he be tempted to accept a kingdom which was sure to decay one day. When the king's ministers knew it for certain that Vardhamana would not accept royal dignity, they, at last, put his elder brother, Nandi Vardhana on the throne of his father, and celeberated his coronation ceremony according to the rules laid in scriptures.
Not long after the coronation of his elder brother, Vardhamana went to see him one day. King Nandivardhana received him very cordially and in the course of conversation that followed, he asked him the object of his visit. Prince Vardhamana replied very impatiently; “ Brother I cannot continue to live in this world any longer. Will you kindly allow me to accept consecration and thus allow me to purify my soul?” These words wounded the heart of Nandivardhana. He turned pale with grief at the thought of separation. He said very sorrowfully.” My dear Vardhamana, I am too much aflicted by the separation of our parents, how shall I live if you too will leave me alone ? You are said to be a fountain of mercy and kindness but you have come to probe the wounds of my heart which were yet unhealed after the
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