________________
How can a man with faith in religion and morality, break his pledge to a poor helpless creature? It would be a betrayal—a betrayal as much of his honour as of the one he promised to defend. My pledge means everything to me; I will not hesitate to fulfil it even at the cost of my life.”
The clouds hiding the sun grew lighter as gentle drops of rain came down to cool the heavily charged atmosphere. Suddenly there was a 'radiant light in the sky and a luminous figure emerged. The assembly was struck dumb with awe.
A deep voice was heard from the figure now kneeling before the Raja. “I am Devkumar. I have descended from the heavens to test this gem among men. Lord Indra in heaven praised Raja Meghrath for his unflinching determination in keeping his pledge. I could not believe that a. mere human would be capable of courage and fortitude that could credit a
god.”
Turning to the assembly, he continued, “I assumed the forms of dove and hawk to subject your Raja to the severest possible test and I frankly admit that even in this land, celebrated for its great saints, I had not expected to find such greatness.
"O Shantinath! The sixteenth Tirthankara* to be of this great land of Bharat, I prostrate myself before you; I beseech you to forgive me for having
* An Apostle of Jain philosophy.
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