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[ Mahavira's severe Restrictions in Kaushambi
and glory of the woman-community.
Dhanavaha then brought her to the Kitchen somehow, and orderd one of his old maid-servants to bring food for himself as well as for Chandana-bala. The servant informed him that only the udad-beans were ready at that time; and having obtained the permission, she brought them to him.
Chandana-bala, however, was to break her fast on that day; and, therefore, she was praying silently for the arrival of some hermit there. It is a rule that success comes to a man in accordance with his feelings. And Lo, there was Lord Mahavira coming towards her for begging his food. He had already gone to Nanda, the wife of the Prime Minister of the King of Kaushambi and to Queen Mrigavati in order to beg his food, but seeing his Abhigrahas unfulfilled had returned without taking it. Chandana-bala, however, fulfilled only twelve out of the thirteen conditions of the Lord; and the Lord was about to depart without taking food, when she, beholding a guest going without accepting food and water, suddenly burst into tears. Thus the thirteenth condition was fulfilled and Lord Mahavira accepted food and water from the hands of Chandana-bala at the house of Dhanavaha. This made the face of Chandana-bala bloom again with joy. The trumpets were being sounded in the sky and the gods rained five kinds of celestial jewels upon the house of Dhanavaha.
Various kinds of auspicious functions and rejoicings were being observed at his house. The King of Kaushambi came to him with his Prime Minister and his Queen, and praised Chandana-bala and him for their good luck. They all bowed to the Lord and returned home. Lord Mahavira
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