Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 37

APRIL, 1985
137
"Your Majesty !” replied Sajan still more politely, "Please be assured of that. But when you have taken the trouble of coming to this holy place, please be good enough to have the darśan of the deity.”
Siddharaja could not refuge the polite but dignified words of Sajan.
Taking his hand Sajan led Siddharaja on the holy mountain. Even from a distance the picturesque temple of Neminatha made of white marble was visible. The king remained awe struck.
Slowly they reached the temple. Siddharaja offered his prayers and performed the pūjā. He was immensely happy now. He saw with his own eyes the renovation work on which crores of gold coins had been spent. He cried out in ecstacy :
"Blessed is the man who had made this renovation."
Replied Sajan instantly,
"Blessed is the king and his noble mother who have made this renovation work possible.”
“You mean I ? But how? Oh no..."
“Yes, Your Majesty! This renovation was possible with the 12500 crores of gold coins which was the revenue from Saurastra for the royal treasury. If you want the benefit of this renovation as virtue and fame it is yours. Otherwise 12500 crores of gold coins are also ready." replied Sajan.
The noble feelings hidden in the innermost depth of Siddharaja suddenly came up. His ill-feeling totally vanished. With tears rolling down his cheeks Siddharaja held the hands of Sajan and said,
"Sajan, you are my best friend. God grant that you be my friend, life after life. I have no need of the gold coins. I want the eternal benefit."
Siddharaja went back to his capital with a light heart.
In the meanwhile the merchant Sakaria came to Girnar and heaped the precious stones before the governor.