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328
JAIN RAMAYAN
King Mahendra was taking rest sitting in an easy-chair. The guard went in; saluted the king and informed him of the arrival of the princess and her companion. The king asked him for details and then he narrated to the king what he had heard from Vasant Tilaka. King Mahendra was shocked and stupefied to hear that painful story. He became greatly agitated and worried. There arose in his mind countless inauspicious thoughts and produced a commotion. He thought :
"It has been said that the heart of a woman is too deep to fathom". Actually the character of women is an incomprehensible riddle. My daughter has brought disgrace upon my family. She has stained my name and blackened my face. It is not unknown to us that during these twenty-two years Pavananjay has kept himself completely away from Anjana. He never tried even to approach her. When that is the case how could she become pregnant ? It is certain that this wicked girl has committed this sin taking advantage of Pavananjay's absence from the palace. King Mahendra was worried only about the disgrace that his family had to face. His face became wrinkled with worry and agitation, Prince Prasannakirthi who was standing nearby soon understood his father's mind. He came to a decision and said :
“Dear father! Turn away this immoral woman from our doors".
"But ...... ?"
"No! Dear father! This is not a time for thinking. Do not we cut off that part of our body which has been bitten by a cobra ? We do so even if it is our own hand or leg or toe".
Prince Prasannakirti was known for his love of justice. He was also a man of intelligence and wisdom. He was reputed throughout his kingdom for his heroism and valour but the Chief Minister did not at all approve of his solution to the problem that had arisen on account of Anjana's return from Adityapur. Being silent for a while, the Chief Minister said politely :
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