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Harikesh Bal Once a muni* came to Hastinapur. It was a Finding Somdatt standing at the gate the shraman summer afternoon with scorching sun. While asked looking for alms for breaking his month long
Yes! I will have some
Gentleman! fast he came to Somdatt's house. Seeing a
fun today. I will put this
Which path leadsshraman on this abandoned shraman Somdatt was afire with envy
to the city ? A path. He will be in great pain Why has
when he walks barefoot on this shraman
this hot sand for some come here?
time. Soon he will faint
and fall down.
Somdatt sent the muni on the sandy path. The simple ascetic took that path. This path was known as Hutavaha (path of fire). Somdatt! watched with curiosity from the end of the path
Yes ! Now the muni will fumble and fall. I will have
my fun.
But the ascetic continued to walk normally. Somdutt was astonished
Oh ! What is this? He moves slowly and calmly. Why his feet are not scorched? Has the sand become cold?
# This muni or Jain ascetic was king Shankh of Mathura. He had renounced his kingdom and started Jain rigorous austerities after getting initiated. He was an accomplished and serene sage.
