Jain Journal 1975 10

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

Page 68

OCTOBER, 1975
93
poison of this rascal Chanda Kaushik is so deadly... [To Mahavir Vardhaman] O Great Soul ! You alone can now save me. I have sinned by insulting you. Forgive me. Save me, O worshipful Saint ! I am dying. You alone can subside the flames rising from this deadly poison. I am sure you can. All things are under your control. Then, will you not save a dying man !
[Vardhaman opens his eyes, looks at him and goes to him]
Vardhaman :
Shulapani ! The snake had stung you. But do not be upset. I will not let you die. When I came here, I had spotted a herb in your monastery, which is an antedote to snake-poison. Having some knowledge of Ayurveda, I can locate that herb. Anon, I shall apply it, where you have been bitten.
Shulapani :
Please apply it soon. I shall be beholden to you all my life ; and shall be in service bound.
Vardhaman :
I need no service. Here I go to bring the herb for you, [Mahavir Vardhaman brings the herb from a corner, administers it and also offers it to Shulapani] Shulapani ! Inhale this herb, inhale it deeply.
[Shulapani takes deep breaths at the herb]
Vardhaman:
The venom must now be slowly subsiding.
Shulapani :
Worshipful Master ! I am regaining my composure ; and the poison is gradually losing its potency.
(Enter Indragop and Chullak hurriedly]
Indragop :
Hail, O Great Saint ! When we heard the groans of Shulapani from a distance, we could make out that you had given him fitting punishment.
Chullak :
I join in the praise to the Great Saint, both on my behalf and on behalf of my wife.
Shulapani :
I also join you both. I was almost dead. My own pet snake Chanda Kaushik had bitten me lustily. If this