Jain Legend Vol 2

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

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the good qualities. All the eight merchant families are believers of Jainism and affluent. I shall send a word to all of them.”
That very instant abhdatta sent a message to the eight merchants, through his trustworthy messengers. In his message, he also made it clear that Jamb Kum ra will become a monk as soon as the marriage ceremony is over. He also requested them to arrive at a decision on the matter and send their reply after thoroughly analysing the pros and cons.
The eight merchants were shocked to listen to Jamb Kum ra's decision of renunciation immediately after marriage. They were discussing the matter with their wives as to how to find a solution to this dilemma.
Even the eight daughters of the merchants heard the message. All of them expressed their decision to their parents, in clear and firm words, "You have already promised us to him. According to dharma, he alone is our husband. We will follow him in whatever path he chooses, even if it is full of thorns and difficulties it becomes the noblest path for us too. Please do not deliberate further on this matter”.
Listening to the firm resolve of their daughters, the eight merchants sent their consent through the messengers. Wedding preparations started on both the sides.
Marriage of Jamb Kum ra
On the auspicious day, the groom Jamb Kum ra sat on a magnificently decorated elephant, which was as beautiful as that of a celestial vehicle. Jamb Kum ra, being the only beloved son of the wealthiest abhdatta, all the people of R jag ha Nagara dressed in beautiful clothes, gathered to see the groom and his party. In the wedding costume, the bright and dazzling Jamb Kum ra reached the brides' place. The ceremony was performed following all the rituals of marriage. The marriage ceremony of Jamb Kum ra was performed with all the eight brides simultaneously with their eight parents giving extravagant clothes and jewellery, myriad of gold coins to their son-in-law as dowry. The groom with his eight brides returned to his mansion. On the happy occasion of their son's wedding, Sresti abhdatta and Dh ri Dev liberally and generously
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