Jain Journal 1973 01

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

Page 33

126
Being driven out, a painter came from Videha. in the court of Adinasatru of Kuru.
JAIN JOURNAL
The king said, "I will give you asylum when I know why you are driven away."
He asked for asylum
The painter said, "I was painting a picture in the Dancing Hall of the prince of Videha. Suddenly I heard a sound and my eyes turned towards the door. At a great distance somebody moved out. Who, I didn't know. But there was imprinted on my mind the restlessness of a hasty pace. That became the inspiration for painting a complete portrait. The next day the prince sent for me and asked me why I had painted the portrait of his sister in the Dancing Hall. I tried to explain but he took nothing in his ears and asked me to get out of Videha, right then. So I had to move out. Later I was told that the prince was abashed because he mistook the portrait for reality."
"You seem to be a master-artist," said the king. "Having seen a part, you can draw the whole."
The painter laughed.
"Can you draw it again?" asked the king.
"Why not?" said the painter.
The painter produced the picture again.
Adinasatru took the picture from his hands. He admired it. What a grace as if a delicate bunch of flowers.
After that he could not but send his messenger to the king of Videha asking for the hands of. princess Malli.
A wondering nun came to the palace of Jitasatru, the king of Pancala. They talked of many things. When she was about to go she said, "I have visited many palaces but am yet to see a more charming lady than Malli, princess of Videha. She is like the evening star."
Hearing this Jitasatru too sent his messenger to the king of Videha. He wanted to marry the princess.