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352
JAIN RAMAYAN
only that; he was loved and esteemed by people for his magnanimity, hospitality, intelligence and ability in practical affairs. Arya Jayashree was staying in his stables. Sunanda had permitted Arya Jayashree to stay in his stables for some time. He received information that the king with his queens was coming to meet Arya Jayashree. Therefore, he had made preparations to receive the king and his family with honour and hospitality,
The chariots arrived and halted in the courtyard before the magnificent mansion of Sunanda.
“Victory to the king !” Saying this Sunanda received the king with great honour. He scattered gold coins on the path of the king and received him into his mansion. The king smiled happily, pleased with the welcome that was given to him. Sunanda took the king and the queen to his stables.
The atmosphere in the stables was filled with the voices of the sadhvis, who were reciting some sacred verses in the morning. Sunanda said, “Nisihi” (a prescribed word to utter while entering religious places) and then entered the stables with the king and the royal family.
As soon as they entered the stables, they saw the noble sadhvi who sat there in the midst of other sadhvis. All saluted the sadhvis saying, "Matthaena Vandami.'
The stables echoed with the expression, “Dharmalabh”, uttered by the sadhvis to bless them.
All of them saluted the sadhvis and sat down.
"We hope that you are well and that your spiritual activities are going on properly,” King Kanakarath said in a humble voice.
"Oh king! Our life of spiritual endeavours is going on very well by the grace of our Guru Maharaj. What impediments can be there in a place ruled over by noble kings like you. We are absolutely happy and pleased. Our spiritual activities are going on unimpeded”.
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