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Vimala-Vasahi ]
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and generous and whose deeply religious instincts made him spend most of his later life in the natural, peaceful and religious surroundings of Chandrāvati, Ābu and Achalagadh. Once upon a time, the great Jaina monk Dharmaghosha Sūri came to Chandrāvati and at Vimala's request, decided to spend the rainy season in this lovely city. The day-today preachings of the monk led Vimala to introspection and deeply religious thoughts. Vimala ultimately requested the teacher to prescribe to him some act of atonement for the great sins of killing (hirsāt and such others committed in statecraft. The monk said that no prāyashchitta (religious practice for atonement of sins ) was prescribed for sins committed knowingly and deliberately. However, since Vimala had sincerely repented for them and asked for atonement, the teacher advised him to undertake repairs at Ābu, the holy place of pilgrimage. Vimala decided to follow the advice and undertook the great task. 1
1 Vimala had no male issue. At the instance of his beloved wife, Shrimati, he once undertook fasting for three meals and propitiated the (Jaina ) goddess Ambikā. Pleased with the deep devotion and great merits of minister of Vimala, the goddess appeared in person before him, on the third night, and said: “I am propitiated (with the ārādhanā practised by thee). Tell me your desire.” Vimala said : “Mother, if thou art pleased, kindly grant me two boons--one, a male child and second, your help in erecting a magnificent Jaina shrine, on Mount Abu.” The goddess said: “The fruit of your meritorious deeds is not so great and I cannot grant you both the boons. Choose either.” The minister was perplexed and ultimately said: "Mother, I want to consult my wife and would give my reply to-morrow.” : Next morning Vimala narrated the night's experience to his wife Shrimati. She was a noble lady, a worthy wife, both intelligent and pious, whose reply is noteworthy: “My dearest lord ! it is not male issues that have given anyone ever-lasting
