Jain Journal 1979 10

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

Page 16

NILANJANA
Ganesh Lalwani
More beaming became the ever-blooming gladness of Parijata Garden of Nilanjana by the shining sheen of the ear-rings of the Lord of Heaven. They became more radiant in the glowing beam of Vaidurya.
Nilanjana was the dancing belle of the Heaven. The rosy glow of of her youth was as fresh as the unfading Parijata flower, her beautiful body the quintessence of all beauties of the universe.
Proceeding slowly that shining sheen of the ear-rings stopped before that lone bower in the cool shade of which on the soft bed of Ketaki leaves Nilanjana was enjoying her rest.
Suddenly the foot-falls drew her attention. Seeing the Lord of Heaven at the gate of her bower she stood in respect. Bowing a little she saluted him by raising her clasped hands to her forehead. She said, "My Lord ! Blessed today is my bower by the touch of your feet."
A mild smile spread over the lips of Indra, the King of Heaven. He said, “I have come on some important business."
"On important business !" she repeated. But her voice appeared frosty with pain, dull appeared the lustre of her blue lotus-like eyes. She asked, “Wouldn't you come without any business?"
Indra was astonished. He said, "In heaven no one asks such question. Nilanjana, what you are saying?”
Nilanjana replied without lifting her eyes, "My Lord ! Business does not make one's heart throb, when one visits without business that becomes a memento.”
The eyes of Indra became wider with astonishment.
Continued Nilanjana, “I am giving you pleasure every night by my dances and songs, by my laughter and grace. But that pleasure has failed to give me happiness.'