________________
202
JAIN RAMAYAN
"I think the King of Ayodhya is dishonouring my loyalty.” Within a moment, the face of the messenger grew red with anger.
"I am not dishonouring your loyalty; on the contrary, I am honouring it." Dasarath said looking towards him with a smile.
"Not now! You can honour me after our victory over Magadha”. The face of the messenger reddened with the emotion of heroism.
"Very well! As you like it. Go and take rest for a while. You have travelled a long distance. First, go through the necessary activities of taking a bath and eating food. Then, we shall meet at leisure".
“As commanded by the King of Ayodhya’'
The messenger's name was Virdev. He had come from Ayodhya Shrishen, the Chief Minister of Ayodhya had sent him to render service to King. Dasarath. Virdev had been brought up and educated at the ashram of Acharya Shivbhadra. He had obtained his education at the ashram of Acharya Shivbhadra situated at a distance of about twenty four miles from Ayodhya. There was no one in Ayodhya who could equal him in the knowledge of the scriptures; and in his mastery of the use of various weapons. He had achieved such extraordinary heights of excellence at the ashram by the grace of the Acharya. There existed a deep intimacy between Shrishen, the Chief Minister of Ayodhya and Acharya Shivbhadra. Shrishen visited the ashram often and discussed with the Acharya various things relating to Dharma and political policies and principles. During those visits he had observed Virdev closely. He was greatly fascinated by Virdev's ways and activities. Therefore, once or twice, Shrishen had enquired of the Acharya regarding Virdev's background and achievements. Whenever he asked the Acharya any question about Virdev, he was silent and tried to evade answering the questions. He did not like to reveal the facts relating to Virdev's birth and family.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
