Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 17

118
JAIN JOURNAL
at the head of the army and thus get a chance to prove his worth. The king gladly agreed.
The news soon spread through the town and the decision was hailed. Anjana too heard about it and she was happy. Now on an appropriate day, Pavananjaya started with the blessing of his parents and with the good-wishes of all his friends. But even at such a moment, he did not call on Anjana.
People had thronged in thousands at the city gate to see the prince off. In one corner, Anjana too stood wishing him victory. Suddenly the eyes of the prince fell on her and he was charmed with her beauty. But he did not know whether it was a carefully carved image or a real thing in flesh and blood. So he turned to his friend and said,
“Who may be that great artist that has created such a charming thing ?
Said Prahasit,
“This is no image, but a human being in flesh and blood. She is your own wife, princess Anjana. You have neglected her all these years, but in response to the call of her duty, she has come and stands aside to wish you well from a distance."
Pavananjaya at once lost control on himself. With bloodshot eyes, he said,
"What ! She is still after me ? Even at this exceptional moment in my life, she has taken courage to appear like an evil star ?"
Pavananjaya made his way through the crowd and stood right in front of Anjana. He rebuked her and kicked her publicly. She fell down in a swoon.
Vasantatilaka who saw this from a little way off at once rushed in, Anjana was carried to her apartment. When she was restored to her senses, she said,
“May my husband win the laurels of victory !"
Pavananjaya was now far away from his city, marching at the head of the army. In the evening, they were on the bank of the lake Manasa