________________
436
JAIN RAMAYAN
did he commit this enormity of impeding your spiritual endeavours ?"
* "Oh Baladev ! It is a long story. His original name is Analaprabh. There are some reasons for his coming here to cause impediments to us." Kulabhushan Maharshi said in a serene voice.
"Oh Lord! We have time enough. It is still night. Still several hours have to pass, before the sun rises. We wish to hear from you the story of this monster."
The Maharshi could not evade Shri Ram's insistence. Then, he narrated the story of the monster.
"This event took place countless years ago.
Once there was a beautiful city by name Padmini on this earth. King Vijayaparvat ruled over it. He was heroic, handsome and absolutely capable as a king. He had a trusted servant by name Amritswar. Amritswar had a beautiful wife by name Upayoga. In the garden of their life two buds bloomed by name Adit and Mudit. Amritswar had a dear friend by name Vasubhuti. He was a wicked man. Vasubhuti used to visit Amritswar's house off and on. In course of time, there arose an attachment between Vasubhuti and Upayoga.
In course of time, the attachment assumed the form of love. But Amritswar was completely unaware of it. He was an impediment on the path of Vasubhuti and Upayoga. Upayoga told Vasubhuti to find out some way of getting rid of this impediment. Vasubhuti was waiting for a suitable opportunity. During that period, Amrit had to go to a distant place out of his country in accordance with the king's commands. In accordance with his plan, Vasubhuti also got ready to accompany Amritswar.
The two friends set off together on their journey. The heart of one overflowed with sweet amity for his friend; but the heart of the other brimmed with bitter and baleful venom for the other.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
