Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 185

End of Nanda dynasty & Establishment of Maurya dynasty
Candragupta presented before C akya, Dhanananda as a captive. Dhanananda begged for his life and pleaded that he would practice religious life in seclusion. C akya agreed to his request and said that he could take his two wives, his daughter and enough money along with him and go in a chariot wherever he wants to.
Abiding C akya's orders Dhanananda prepared to leave the palace along with his two wives, his daughter and sufficient wealth, on a chariot. Just as he bawled at the horses to get going, as if by divine intervention, at that very moment Candragupta reached the palace on a chariot, from the opposite side. Seeing the chariot-mounted, radiant Candragupta, at the very first sight itself, Dhanananda's daughter forgot her status, noble birth, etc. and was completely captivated by the charm of Candragupta. Like a Cakor (Himalaya partridge) enamoured of the moon, stares at it incessantly, similarly the princess forgetting her senses and unconcerned about the surroundings kept staring at Candragupta. Dhanananda being old and well-experienced in worldly matters immediately realised that his daughter had totally surrendered herself to Candragupta. He stopped the chariot and said, “Dear child! It is believed that self selection of the bridegroom (Svayamvara) is the best means of choosing the groom for a girl born in a K atriya family. As per your wish, happily marry Candragupta. Get down from this chariot, and mount onto the chariot of Candragupta and free me of my responsibility of searching an able groom for you.”
Hearing her father's words the princess as if spellbound, got down from the chariot immediately. Just as she kept one foot to get into the chariot of Candragupta, six spokes of the wheels of the chariot broke down making a loud noise.
Seeing this Candragupta said, "Who is this inauspicious girl, climbing into my chariot, with whose mere touch of a foot, the spokes of the wheels of my chariot broke down? Had she seated herself completely in the chariot, not only my chariot, but my very existence may be jeopardised.” So saying, he prevented the princess from getting into the chariot.
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