Jain Ramayana Part 1

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 42

30
JAIN RAMAYAN
fascinating dream. She had not seen much a sweet and inconceivable dream at any time before; so she was filled with joy. She woke up; and sat up on her bed; thought of her dream for a few moments; smiled to herself; and then she went to her husband's chamber and described her auspicious dream to him.
Sahasrar heard the account of her dream; and thought deeply about it. With overflowing love he drew the queen towards him; and said this in a tender and cheerful manner.
"Dear Queen, you are going to give birth to a radiant son. ChitraOur long cherished desire is going to the fulfilled." sundari became pregnant; and the child began to grow in her womb like the waxing moon. Everywhere in Ratanupur, the atmosphere became jubilant. Day by day, the various organs of her body began to blossom and to grow resplendent. During her pregnancy, there arose in her heart a strange desire. The desire was a wicked one and it was such a desire as would cause agitation to her mind. The fulfilment of that desire was impossible and if it was fulfilled, it would be disgraceful and despicable. As a result of this, her tender and beautiful body began to grow weaker and weaker, day by day. She became lean and feeble. The clouds of doubt, fear and anxiety began to hover over her mind which had been in great delight before the appearance of this evil desire. She lost her taste for food; she lost all interest in amusements and enjoyments. Throughout the day, she used to lie down in her room in deep worry and agitation.
King Sahasrar was greatly worried seeing her mental agitation. In a voice shaken by anguish, he asked the queen :
"Dearest! What is the cause for your agitation which has brought you, to this condition? Is any insoluble problem worrying you? Won't you tell me what it is ?"
"There is no such thing, my dear king".
"How can I believe that no problem is worrying you? If there is no problem why is your tender and beautiful body withering away? Dear Queen! Surely there is some problem