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Hemchandra assisted Kumarpal in troubled times. King Siddharaj despised Kumarpal. Hemchandra himself had predicted that Kumarpal (who was the nephew of Siddharaj) would become the king of Gujarat after Siddharaj's death. Siddharaj had no son and as he did not like Kumarpal, he was determined to arrest or kill him. Siddharaj's men searched for Kumarpal who, terrified went into hiding. He sought refuge at Acharya's upashray (monastary). Hemchandra hid him in a stack of palm leaves. Siddharaj's soldiers, unable to find Kumarpal went away. Since that day Kumarpal was under the influence and obligation of this great monk.
The prophecy came true. Kumarpal became king after the death of Siddharaj. Hemchandra already had a honourable place in the kingdom but once Kumarpal became king his influence increased tremendously. Kumarpal had always respected Jain traditions but was now a true devotee of the Acharya. Kumarpal's period was a golden era in Solanki -history. The king made many social and political reforms. He was under the influence of Hemchandra and had given orders not to kill any animals in the kingdom. Though he believed in the principle of non-violence, through necessity, he fought many battles and expanded the boundaries of his kingdom.
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