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The Ruin of Sodas
113
"Oh king! Your desire is commendable. Auspicious actions should not be delayed.” The Mahamuni said commending the king's desire heartily.
"Oh you ocean of kindness! We have decided to spend our life at your holy feet after crowning Prince Sodas, king of Ayodhya. Until then, you kindly stay here”.
After that King Nagush returned to his palace accompanied by his family. He sent for the Chief Minister; and ordered him to make arrangements for the coronation of Sodas as the king of the country. The news that the king was receiving initiation into the sadhudharma spread like wild fire. Prince Sodas also came to know that his parents would receive initiation into the sadhudharma. He felt hit in the vitals when he heard this news. He had great affection for his mother. Hence, it was natural that he should be grieved over the prospect of her renouncing worldly life. But he knew very well the traditions of the Ikshvaku line. He did not like to oppose the tradition that had. been in vogue, in his family, from the time of Lord Rishabhdev. Hence, he did not place any impediments on the path of his parents. His coronation took place....but it took place in an inauspicious Muhurt. Moreover, it took place in a hurry. The court-priest made a mistake in fixing the time for the coronation. Therefore, knowingly or unknowingly, they committed a Himalayan blunder.
After celebrating the coronation of Sodas, the king and the queen received the Deeksha from the great Muni. King Nagush became a Sadhu; and Queen Simhika became a Sadhvi. After the Deeksha ceremony was over, the great Muni went away from Ayodhya on his Vihar.
Sodas became the king of the vast kingdom of Ayodhya. He always used to keep with him his bosom friend, Anand. He could not bear separation from him even for a moment. This proved a good fortune for Anand. Now, he got an excellent opportunity to gratify his love of taste. He took complete charge of the kitchen; and began getting spicy food prepared out of various
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