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266
JAIN RAMAYAN
Shastras; and worshipped the Paramatma with the sublime substances they had brought with them.
After having worshipped the Paramatma with substances, they sat in the central part of the temple facing the Paramatma to carry out devotional worship. (Bhavapuja). They began to sing songs of glorification with heartfelt devotion.
Even King Prahlad, the Vidyadhar king of Adityapur had come there on a pilgrimage with all the members of his family. They too had come to the temple of the Paramatma. He did not like to disturb the worship that King Mahendra was carrying out; so he sat behind him and was watching him with devotion.
Just then, king Prahlad happened to see Princess Anjana; and was greatly astonished by her beauty and her angelic grace and charm. At once, an idea flashed to him; but restraining his thoughts a little, he became absorbed in his devotion for the Paramatma.
The glorification of the Paramatma by singing songs came to an end. King Mahendra got ready to leave the temple with the members of his family. The Vidyadhar king, Prahlad also moved slowly behind him. They saw each other; and they embraced each other affectionately :
They made polite enquiries about each other's welfare and then both the Kings went to the place where King Mahendra was staying
Being silent for a little while, King Prahlad, the King of Vidyadhars looked towards King Mahendra, in a serious and thoughtful manner; and was about to say something when King Mahendra understanding his inclination, said;
"Oh King! Whatever you wish to say, you may say without any hesitation”.
"I request you to grant a wish of mine”.
King Prahlad said smiling gently, preparing the ground to mention what he desired to say.
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