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[ A brief life-sketch of Jambu-Svami
home with his newly-wedded wives. His mother and other graceful women of his family made auspicious decorations, received him very affectionately with Arati' (convential waving of lighted lamps) and then brought him into the house. Many blessings were then showered upon the bridegroom and the brides alike.
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The readers should observe here how much wealth the parents of bride gave to the bridegroom by way of dowry in olden days. But they must remember that this was a willing donation, while to-day the case is altogether different. The dowry-system has changed into a bargain, where the parents of the bride have to pay as much money to the bridegroom or his parents as they demand. This is certainly a great social disease which can be remedied only when the prominent men of every community inflict heaviest punishment upon those who are fond of such dowries so that no body in future may take courage to act like this. This kind of dowry system should be stopped by law. Attempts should be made to spread moral education of a high degree among the people of every caste. Religious men should make it a point not to take part in such marriages. Until and unless sincere efforts are made, the growth of this evil cannot be checked.
Let us now go to the palace of Jambu-Kumara and watch his activities there. The very day he stepped into his house' with his brides, he began to instruct them with various thoughts of self-restraint. But the strong, fresh and well-armed army of Cupid was not in any way lagging in attacking Jambu-Kumara from all sides. Jambu-Kumara was above it, and his spiritual power was so great that as many times as the army of Cupid attacked him, it was
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