________________
The First Halt
379
area must have deserted this place and gone away recently on account of some fear. On account of some reason, the people of this area seem to have gone away deserting their homes and fields."
“Noble brother, you are right. I too think so."
Both the brothers kept looking at the fields and gardens that extended to a great distance. Just then, Shri Ram noticed a traveller passing by and asked him.
“Noble man, I want to ask you something."
The traveller kept looking at Shri Ramachandra with fixed eyes. He was greatly fascinated by the radiant face of Shri Ram.
"Oh great man! What do you want to know? Ask me whatever you want to know, I will tell what I know." Ramachandra brought him to the banyan tree. He affectionately asked him to sit near him and said :
"Why is this place deserted ? Oh great man, your radiant face shows that you are a man of noble birth and your question is significant and there is some secret significance in question. Otherwise, why should you desire to know it ?”
“All right. But I think you are afraid of something,” “No, I am not afraid of anything; but it is a long story.”
"Noble man! You need not worry about anything. Tell us what you know about it. That will help us to spend our time."
"Very well”, the traveller wiped the perspiration from his forehead with his upper-cloth and then composing himself, he began his narration.
"This area is renowned everywhere as Avanti. King Simhodhar is the ruler of this area. Actually, he is as valiant and ferocious as a lion. His enemies shudder at the very mention of his name. There is another city in this area called Dashangapur. There is a subordinate king by name Vajrakarna who
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
