Jain Ramayana Part 2

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 76

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JAIN RAMAYAN
The care-taker of the forest appeared in the royal court and offered felicitations to the King.
A great and enlightened Muni by name Vimal had arrived in the garden outside the city of Ayodhya. He had been accompanied by a number of Munis. Even after he had passed through the phase of youth, he was devoid of passions and mental aberrations. On account of the spiritual austerities he had performed, his face looked resplendent with a sublime effulgence.
Hiranyagarbh gave many costly presentations to the care taker of the forest and made him affluent and at once he set off with his family to see the great muni in the garden. As soon as he entered the garden, he was overwhelmed with joyful emotions. He had a darshan of the Mahamuni and saluted him and his heart danced with delight like a peacock. Hiranyagarbh saluted the muni with great devotion; performed circumbulations around him and stood before him with his head bowed. Queen Mrigavathi also did as her lord had done. After saluting the muni, Hiranyagarbh, Mrigavathi and the other members of the royal family sat in front of the muni.
The muni Vimal uttered the words “Dharmalabh (May you attain spiritual prosperity)” and bestowed his benedictions upon him. As the muni was delivering a scriptural discourse Hiranyagarbh's desire to renounce the samsar became stronger and stronger. Mrigavathi also developed the spirit of renunciation and her attachment for samsar declined. After the discourse was over, Hiranyagarbh stood up and said in a humble manner :
"Oh thou ocean of compassion! After hearing your auspicious discourse my attachments for the samsar have disappeared. Oh Lord! Be so gracious as to initiate me into the charitradharma which can help me to cross the ocean of sams Hiranyagarbh sat near him and looked towards Mrigavathi. Mrigavathi was eagerly waiting to give her consent to his decision.
All the people of Ayodhya knew this. As a result of this, ceremonies and celebrations were organised in all the Jin temples in the City.