Jain Journal 1973 01

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

Page 31

A
Short Story
MALLI
"I must have princess Malli of Videha”, said king Pratibuddhi of Kosala.
The king had come to the ceremony of Naga worship by his queen Padmavati. Of all the preparations and decorations, he liked most a garland of multi-coloured flowers. He said, “I haven't seen like this.”
The minister said, "If you permit me, your Majesty, then I like to say...”
The king cast an astonished look at the minister.
The minister said, "That this is very insignificant compared to that I saw on the occasion of the birth-day celebration of princes, Malli of Videha. That garland compared with the rain-bow."
“How looks she ?” asked the king.
“Extraordinarily beautiful,” replied the minister.
The king became restless. He sent a messenger to the king of Videha asking for the hand of princess Malli.
On his return from a commercial tour, Arhannaka went to the court of Candrachaya, the king of Anga, with presents. The king offered him a seat near him and then asked what the most wonderful experience of his trip was.
The merchant said, “Sir, it is the sight of Malli, princess of Videha. On hearing of her beauty, I went to the court of Videha to present her with a pair of ear-rings given to me by a god. On seeing the ear-rings,