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448
JAIN RAMAYAN
the weapons necessary for five hundred soldiers. When the treasurer locked the door of the arsenal and turned to go home. Palak hit him on the head from behind. The treasurer fell down dead.
Palak taking armed soldiers with him went to the garden He ordered his soldiers to hide themselves in bushes and trees. He spent the whole night in these activities. Until now his plan went on very well and he heaved a sigh of relief.:
In the morning, Skandakacharya entered the city accompanied by five hundred munis. According to their plan they halted in the garden. King Dandak and his family went to meet the muni in the garden. The Acharya blessed them and delivered a discourse. They were all delighted by the discourse. All developed a spirit of detachment under the impact of the discourse.
King Dandak and Queen Purandarayasha also were delighted by the discourse. They returned to the city thinking of the in which they could destroy their karmas. Palak was waiting for them in the palace. When the king was resting after having had his food Palak went to him and said.
“Dear king, I have found out a secret.” “What is it?"
“Let us go to the secret chamber. There I will tell you what it is.”
“Tell me at once what it is.”
“Dear king, you may find it difficult to believe it; yet it is true.”
“You tell me what it is.”
“I have found out that Skandakacharya is not indeed a sadhu. He has come here with some evil designs. He is a hypocrite."
“What are you prattling? How can Skandakacharya be a hypocrite ? Impossible ! I think you have lost your senses. Before making such accusations you must think of the consequences a little.”
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