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Bhagawan Mahavir )
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and King Shrenika hastened to put him on the throne that very day. It was not very long after this that Megha-Kumara again went to his father and repeated his request. This time the father had to keep his promise. He allowed him to accept consecration and celebrated his consecration ceremony with great rejoicings. Megha-Kumara wanted nothing more. His desire was fulfilled. He ran to the shelter of the Lord with the same hastiness with which a young deer runs away from the blazes of wild fire. On his arrival in the Samavasharna, he laid his thoughts before the Lord, who, after testing his ability, kindly admitted him to his order.
MENTAL AGITATION OF MEGHAMUNI.
The night following his consecration, Megha-Muni had to sleep at a place which lay towards the feet of other hermits. He had to bear all the kicks and strokes of their feet as they passed by him. He thought that when the very first night was so much painful how could he be able to bear all the sufferings and hardships consequent upon an ascetic life, afterwards. His mind was agitated, and there was a rapid shuffling of ideas in his mind. He said, “ These hermits treat me so rudely, because I have no wealth and glory at this time. If this be the case today, I do not know how they would treat me in future? I think I should leave this vow of asceticism and intorm the Lord of my intention in the morning." As soon as the day da wned, Megha-Muni went to the Lord and was about to relate to him the happenings of the last night when Lord Mahavira began," O Devanupriya (Beloved of the gods ) Megha Kumara ! you are so much distressed with that small happening of the last night. You seem to
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