Illustrated Namokara Mahamantra

Author(s): Shreechand Surana, Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Diwakar Prakashan

Page 36

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According to the instructions of the priests, Amara kumara was washed, adorned with flowers and brought to the sacrificial pyre under guard. He was sanctified by chanting mantras and prepared to be put in the sacred fire. The flames of the Yajña pyre gave kreeps to Amara Kumara. He repeatedly begged before the priests, "Please do not kill me, kindly do not kill me." But everyone remained unmoved. None tried to save him. Amara kumara looked around with utter hopelessness evident on his face. There was no saviour.
Seeing the grinning face of death in the flames Amara kumara recalled the namokara mantra he had learned in his childhood. The guru had told him, "This king of mantras protects everyone. It pacifies the torments of deluge, fire, venom, etc."
Now, that was the only refuge open to Amara kumara. He started chanting namokāra mantra devotedly. He silently submitted, "O great mantra! you alone can save me today. In this world I have no saviour but you. I seek your protection."
The chanting of the mantra made Amara kumara free of fear. His face gleamed with happiness. Just then, the priests lifted and tossed him into the leaping flames. He simply continued to chant namo arihantānam, namo siddhanam........
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