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JAIN RAMAYAN
returned home after the war, I came to know of what had occurred, and I became greatly worried. I cursed myself; and began to treat myself with contempt. I came in search of her and left no stone unturned in searching for her. I have searched for her in every nook and corner of these forests and mountains; but I have not been able to find her. How can I find her ? Can we ever retrace a gem that has fallen into the ocean? I have been maddened by this futile search. My existence has been futile. I am being consumed in the fires of the anguish caused by separation from her. Now, I cannot bear with this separation from her; and I cannot live without her. Now you tell me what I should do. Where shall I go ? How can I show my black face to anyone ? It would be better if I die leaping into fires and thus end my contemptible life.”
"Oh you divinities of nature! If you find my dear wife anywhere, kindly convey to her the message that her husband unable to bear with the separation from her ended his life by leaping into fires."
And he recited Shri Namaskar Mahamantra and when he leaped to fall into the fires burning there, King Prahlad who was in the airship held him in his arms.Pavananjay tried to get rid of the hold and when he could not, he fretted angrily.
“Who is it that is stopping me thus ? Please allow me to fall into the fires and to burn to ashes because I am already con
sumed with the fires of the separation from my noble wife. -- Instead of living without Anjana it is better for me to die and
to seek peace and felicity in death.”
"I am your father, King Prahlad. I am a sinner,” he wept bitterly while saying this. “Dear son! Kindly excuse me. I committed a great sin in ill-treating my daughter-in-law. I acted cruelly towards her though she was absolutely innocent. This sin of mine cannot be washed away. Your mother has already committed a blunder in sheer ignorance and thoughtlessness. Now, you too do not venture to commit this horrible
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