Jain Legend Vol 2

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 117

gave her the amount she demanded and saying that he would return in the night, went back to his carts.
In the evening, he took bath and wearing beautiful clothes and ornaments started for the prostitute's residence. Incidentally, a deity who witnessed all the events, out of compassion, wanted to prevent the cowherd-youth from this dreadful sin. She took the form of a cow with a calf and sat in the middle of the street. While going to the prostitute's house, one of his feet got smeared with faces lying on the road. The youth rubbed his foot against the back of the calf there. Talking in a human voice the calf asked its mother, "O mother! What sort of a man is he, rubbing his feet smeared with filth against my body?
The cow also replied in a human voice, “Young one! Do not be angry with this mean and wretched person; he is going to have sex with his own mother. It is no surprise if a degraded person like him rubs his dirty foot against your body”. Uttering these words, the cow and the calf vanished.
Listening to the animals talk in a human voice, the youth was not only astonished but also felt that there must be some authenticity in their words. He reckoned that the bandits had abducted his mother; and it is quite possible that she might have become a prostitute. After mulling for some time, he decided to go to the prostitute and find out the truth.
With this intention in his mind, the youth arrived at the prostitute's house. The skilful harlot offered him tasty and delicious food and drink and was about to entertain him with her dance and music.
The youth said, “Leave all this and first let me know who you are and where do you reside”?
The harlot replied, “O young man! Talk about your interest in me and my characteristics because of which you were attracted towards me and paid a hefty sum. What will you gain by knowing me and my whereas bouts?”
The young man said, "Have faith in me. In fact, I will be benefited by knowing your complete details, and nothing else. Pray tell me the truth without any hesitation and without concealing anything”.
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