Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 14

Anjana
MUNI MAHENDRAKUMAR 'Pratham'
The great lady Anjana was born of the first queen Hrdayasundari, wife of king Mahendrasena. She was the only sister of a hundred brothers. So her parents and brothers, all loved her very much. By her habits, too, she was sweet and charming. And so she was loved by all in the royal household. She impressed anyone at first sight.
To find a suitable groom for such a worthy girl, King Mahendrasena sent many envoys to lands far and near but without any success. Many royal families were contacted but it was no easy job to find a suitable groom for her. One day, as the king was discussing it with the minister, the latter said,
"Your Majesty! To the best of my knowledge, there are two princes who would make excellent grooms for our princess, one prince Vidyutprabha, son of king Hiranyabha, and the other Pavananjaya, son of king Prahlada. Between the two, Vidyutprabha is superior, but the astrologers' reading is that he would pass away to be liberated at the age of eighteen. Pavananjaya presents no such problem and is believed to have a long life. So the princess may be married with him."
After some time, king Mahendra and king Prahlada met by chance at the Nandisvara island, and interestingly enough, the proposal came from king Prahlada. King Mahendra readily accepted it. It was decided to complete the marriage ceremony on the third day from then on the bank of the lake Manasa.
When a evil thing is to come up in life, even a normal desire may turn into a curse. There was only three days left for the marriage when Pavananjaya said to his friend Prahasit,
"Friend! I have heard people extol the skill and beauty of Anjana. Although marriage is now a decided thing, I feel like seeing her once before marriage. This must be done."
"If that be your desire, then go ahead. I am well acquainted with all the roads in Mahendrapur. I can easily guide you upto her apartment."