Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 25

126
JAIN JOURNAL
The king said, “Surely you have done your best ; but since I am involved too, I must be given a chance to do what I can for tracing Anjana out. Wise people never do a thing in a hurry. Sometimes a goal is attained after many failures.”
Pavananjaya could not disoblige his parents. He agreed. Now, both king Prahlada and king Mahendra sent hundreds of emissaries all over the world in search of the great lady. In this manner, twentynine days passed, and there was no ray of hope from any quarter to save Payananjaya. It was now the thirtieth day. Pavananjaya stood firm to enter into a blazing pyre the moment the day was out. There was deep despair on everybody's face.
Just then an air-chariot appeared in sight. It so happened that an emissary had gone to Hanupur, and finding Anjana there, he communicated the need of urgency of their return lest Pavananjaya should end his life on the expiry of the thirtieth day. Hence the whole party hurried at once and reached the spot in time.
Anjana's parents and parents-in-law shed tears, but these were tears of regret. Anjana consoled them saying that all this was the outcome of karma, in which they were merely instrumental. There was for them really no reason to repent.
And between Anjana and Pavananjaya, this was a supreme moment, a great reunion. They could hardly open their lips. At last Pavananjaya broke the silence.
“I made you miserable for long twelve years.”
“But now you were about to sacrifice your life for my sake.” Anjana retorted.
Now, as the person who had given shelter to Anjana and her child, and saved the life of Pavananjaya, Vidyadhara Pratisurya had the greatest claim on Pavananjaya. He invited him with his wife and son, his own parents and his wife's parents to be first his guests of honour at Hanupur. The invitation was accepted.
Now, it was time for Mahendra to lay down the reins of office in favour of his very capable and worthy son. Pavananjaya had a very glorious