Jain Journal 1981 01

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

Page 20

PRABHAVATI
GANESH LALWANI
Hearing the praise of Parsva, prince of Kashi, from the mouth of the Kinnara damsels, Prabhavati, princess of Kushasthala gave her heart to him. If she had to place the wedding garland to anybody's neck it would be Parsva. Otherwise she would retire to Ramyaka forest and live a recluse's life.
Prasenajit, king of Kushasthala was in a dilemma. He didn't know the mind of prince Parsva, but the mind of the king of Kalinga was not unknown to him. His emissary was waiting at the house of his foreign envoy. He had expressed his desire to have the princess as his bride. He had also informed that if his request was not heeded he would forcibly carry her off. He didn't rest by threatening only. He had arrived at the head of an invincible army and had encircled the fort. Only a month's time had been given for the final reply.
...But Prabhavati had but one reply. 'If I have to marry I will marry prince Parsva. Otherwise...'
Grief-stricken was Prasenajit thinking of the situation. It was not possible for Prabhavati at this juncture to retire to Ramyaka forest and live the life of a recluse. She had but two options before her : to be carried away or to court death, as it was plainly impossible for Kushasthala to resist the might of Kalinga.
When the mind of the princess could not be changed, Prasenajit had no other alternative than to send his envoy to Asvasena, the king of Kashi. Stating everything he prayed for his help against the predator.
Asvasena on receiving the message got ready with his cavalry but prince Parsva persuading his father to remain at the capital took over the charge of the squadrons which drummed their hooves with great speed towards Kushasthala.
Prabhavati was looking at the distant horizon from the window of her room. As far as she could see there were camps of the king of Kalinga. In one such camp the king of Kalinga was eagerly waiting for the reply of the king of Kushasthala. If he was refused, in an instant