Book Title: Bhagavana  Mahavira
Author(s): Chauthmal Maharaj
Publisher: Jainoday Pustak Prakashan Samiti Ratlam

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Page 377
________________ 344 ] [ Mahavira's severe Restrictions in Kaushambi the prostitute. The prostitute felt that she had to suffer that fate only due to Vasumati. She, therefore, returned her to the soldier, took back her money, and went home cursing her own fate. The soldier again took Vasumati to another market and sold her to a banker named Dhanavaha. Dhanavaha could mark a stream of calmness, full of sorrow and misery, flowing from her face at that time. He was at once overpowered by it and suddenly felt the refreshing influence of the feelings of self-control, patience and forbearance. Finding a suitable opportunity, kindness sprang in his heart. He at once addressed her thus Vasumati, do not fear, come with me, you will find complete freedom in my house for practising religious rites; rest assured that I will treat you as my own daughter. Leave your sorrow and anxieties and follow me to my house. These words of Dhanavaha infused new life into the life-less body of Vasumati. She silently praised Dhanavaha for his true affection and accompanied him with good-wishes for his family. After reaching home, Dhanavaha asked his wife to treat Vasumati as her own daughter. He also changed her name from Vasumati to Chandana-bala in view of her charmed beauty. His wife Mula who was very jealous of the beauty of the girl, evidently promised to treat her as her own daughter; but as soon as he engaged himself in his business, she began to treat her as a maid-servant. She thought, "My husband has bought this girl because he has been chanted by her beauty. He calls her his daughter' in order to deceive others; but really there must be something dark at the bottom of the whole affair.” She was always on Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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