Jain Journal 1972 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 26

OCTOBER, 1972
to look inside, the step-mother hurled her into it. As she was going down, her mind went back to the god, her benefactor, who readily appeared on the scene. He supported her by his hand and made her seat in a comfortable place. The god was now determined to punish Agnisikha on the spot but desisted, as Aramasobha held fast his feet and requested him not to do so. In the under world, the god built a chamber for her stay. The garden too stayed with her there.
Agnisikha now dressed her daughter in the clothes of Aramasobha and placed her on the couch. When the maids returned, they expressed surprise to see a lustre-less and uncouth woman with a plump body lying there. The false Aramasobha said, "I know not why it has all happened but, meseems, some internal disorder or disease has come up and has been the main cause of my physical change.” The matter was reported to Agnisikha who rushed wailing and striking her breast, "Oh daughter ! How has it happened ? Has anybody cast inavspicious glance at thee? Or is it due to some disorder or disease ? All my sweet dreams may come to an end.” She prepared to make all possible arrangement for her restoration to proper form but none yielded any result.
The minister came to take the queen back. The party started for Pataliputra. On the way the maids asked why the garden was not there. The false Aramasobha said that it had gone to the well to take water and it would soon follow them. When the party was in the vicinity of Pataliputra, King Jitasatru arranged a fitting welcome. The king was pleased to see a godly son but was sorry to see the queen's plight. When he enquired about the cause of it, she repeated as before, “This may be due to some internal disease or disorder.” The king's sorrow knew no end. To his enquiry about the garden she said, “It was taking water at the well so I have left it behind. It will itself come after some time.”
The king had some misgiving about the lady. Was she his own Aramasobha or some other person stepped in her place ? He had a feeling that there might be a trick behind. He said to her again, “My dear ! Bring that garden back. I feel uneasy without it."
Evasively the queen said, “Be not anxious on its score, Sir, it will be back soon."
The king had now no doubt that this lady was not real Aramasobha. It was a mischief played on him; it must be urfolded..