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Bhagawan Mahavir)
( 517
son, we have never seen a marriage ceremony being stopped after once it has begun. At the same time, you should have to pay a due regard to the traditions of your family. If you intended to do like this why did you not inform us before the commencement of marriage ceremony? The preparations for the marriage ceremony began in your presence; this you know quite well. Besides, all wise people say that it is the duty of every son to obey his parents, for they are like gods to him. After your marriage you mtght act as you like, but for the time beilig you must obey your parents." Jambu Kumara promised to carry out the wish of his parents on one condition that they should inform all the eight girls that were going to be married to him of his intention that he would accept consecration as soon as he was married. The parents agreed to do this, and accordingly informed the parents of each girl of the intention of Jambu Kumara.
The message that was sent to the parents of the girls ran as follows-"Kumara will accept consecration as soon as he is married. If the girls agree to this condition, they might marry him; otherwise they are free to choose another bridegroom for themselves." When the parents of the girls heard this news, they were greatly perplexed at heart. They talked to their kinsmen and neighbours on this topic and at last arrived at the following conclusion-" If Kumara has decided to accept consecration just after his marriage, to wed our daughters to him is as good as to throw them in to a well willingly. There are hundreds of bridegrooms for an unmarried girl. Why should then we puzzle our heads for nothing ? At the same time, there is no flaw in our daughters which might compel us to wed them to any one without
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