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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
88
dharma was to save those who had been subjected to injustice. So, he began to think of a plan to save the shravakas. The jealous scholars were thinking that Hemu had been caught in a trap. If Hemu did not do anything to help the shrāvakas, they would be angry with him, thinking that in spite of being the Chief Minister, he had not done anything to help them. They would think that he was selfish. But if he did anything to save the shravakas, he would incur the displeasure of the king and he would be thrown out of his position.
Whenever the emperor went out on a hunting expedition he would leave the royal seal (rajamudra) with the Chief Minister. One day, the emperor went out on a hunting expedition, leaving the royal seal with Hemu. In the emperor's absence, Hemu issued an order under the royal seal, commanding the release of all the prisoners who had been imprisoned for not paying taxes.
No one had the courage to slight or disobey the order issued under the royal seal and in consequence all such prisoners were released from jail.
Soon after the emperor returned from his expedition the jealous courtiers told him, “Your Highness ! In your absence, misusing your royal seal, Hemu has released all the shravakas. He has committed a great treason and should be punished properly. Please think of the punishment that should be given to him.”
The emperor naturally became angry when he heard that his royal seal had been misused by Hemu. He at once sent for the Chief Minister, Hemu, and said in a thundering voice, “You fool, do you think that I gave you the royal seal so that you may release the offenders who had not paid taxes? Do you know, what the consequence will be? You will have to lose not only your position as Chief Minister in our court but also your life for this offence. If you have anything to say in your behalf, speak it out.”
Hemu said, “Your Highness! I have eaten your salt and I cannot be unfaithful to you. I cannot think of
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