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Bhagawan Mahavir ]
[ 341
As Vasumati was beautiful and popular, she had once to face a number of calamities and misfortunes. However, she will be remembered as long as there is Jainism in this world. She did not leave her ideal conduct even in the midst of those calamities. Misery and happiness revolve just like the wheels of a carriage, and the conditions of men change with the changing times. Men of courage, therefore, do not leave their patience when faced with the greatest calamities. 'Only the patient can cross the sea of calamities not the weak-minded.
Vasumati's father, Dadhivahana, and Shatanika, the ruler of Kaushambi, were at enemity with each other at that time. Shatanika collected a strong army and finding a good opportunity invaded the town of Champa. Dadhivahana tried his best to defend the city and protect his subjects but as all kinds of supplies and reinforcements were cut off by the enemy, he was defeated and had to leave his city. Shatanika entered the city and plundered it. One of the soldiers caught hold of the chaste wife of Dadhivahana and his righteous daughter, Vasumati, and went away with them. It is righty said that "Misfortunes never come singly.” Do we not get hurt on our wounds; and does not an appetite increase all the more when we have nothing to eat ? Calamities bring forth enemies with them, but they can affect only when Fate is against us.
The soldier who had kidnapped the mother and the daughter, felt an itching passion of lust for the queen, on the way. He requested her to give her love to him; but that brave woman, the chaste wife of Dadhivahana, insulted him very badly. She then tried to instruct him in many ways
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