Jain Journal 1973 01

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

Page 32

JANUARY, 1973
the king was so pleased that at once he called her and gave her the earrings in my presence. And thus I was fortunate to have a chance to see the most wonderful creation on earth."
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Hearing this, the king of Anga became impatient. He sent his messenger to the king of Videha. He must have princess Malli.
Princess of Kunala came to pay her respects to her father after aquatic sports. Her eye-lashes were curved like the morning horizon, misty with dew-drops, bright in light. She bowed and then went away.
While returning, she was seen moving through light and shade for quite some time.
Rukmi, the king of Kunala, her father, thought for a while and then sent for his messenger. He asked him, "You have been to many lands on important assignments. Have you ever seen a beauty like
this ?"
The messenger replied, "The princess is beautiful, no doubt but the physical grace of Malli, princess of Videha, is like that of fresh grapes on the vine."
Hearing this Rukmi became restless. He sent his messenger to the court of Videha with the same request. He wanted to marry Malli.
Goldsmiths came from Videha to the court of Kasi for shelter. Sankha, the king of Kasi, asked them why they had fled.
The goldsmiths said, "A foreign merchant named Arhannaka gave two ear-rings, given to him by a god, to our princess. One of those ear-rings opened at one end and we were asked to repair it. Though we tried our best, we could not. At this, the king became furious and told us that we were no good. Hence we have no more a place in Videha. But, pray, sir, wherein are we at fault?"
"Not at all." replied the king. "But how does the princess look ?"
"Like a shower of white roses."
Hearing this, Sankha, the king of Kasi, sent his messenger to the court of Videha with the same request. He wanted to marry Malli.