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JAIN RAMAYAN
the Muni again entered deep meditation. With deep concentration, he began to visualize the past lives of Indra. He opened his eyes; and began narrating the story of Indra's previous life.
Once, there was a beautiful and prosperous city by name Arinjaypur. A heroic king by name Jwalan Simha was ruling over it. His wife was queen Vegavati, a woman of extraordinary virtues.
In course of time, a daughter was born to them. They named her Ahilya. They brought her up with great affection. As she grew up, her body also bloomed like a beautlful flower. When she entered the threshold of youth, she was so beautiful and fascinating that even the divine damsels Rambha and Urvashi would feel ashamed of their beauty which was inferior to hers. She possessed angelic beauty. When she reached the age of marriage, Jwalan Simha arranged a Swayamvar; and invited kings and princes of various countries and the Vidyadhars. In consequence, a large number of kings, princes and Vidyadhars came to attend the Swayamvar. Among them there were such mighty heroes as King Anandmati of the city of Chandravarth and King Taditprabha of the city of Suryavarth. These two kings were confident of winning the hand of the princess. Each of them believed that she would garland him in the Swayamvar. Really, the ways of infatuation are queer. It ensnares
casts them into the abysmal depths of sorow. At the time of the Swayamvar princess Ahilya observed all the invitees and finally garlanded King Anandmali of the city of Chandravarth. But thinking that he had been ignored and slighted, Taditprabha became furious.
The Mahamuni continued his narration pointing his hand at Indra : "Oh King ! you are that king Taditprabha”.
And then, pausing for a few moments, he continued : “King Taditprabha entertained jealousy, hatred and contempt for Anandmali; and returned to his capital. He had no peace of mind. How could he have peace of mind ? How can there be in the heart of any person peace and happiness when it is full of the flames of jealousy ? So, he was agitated and dispirited.
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