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Shatrughna's Purvajanma
251
man sitting there and groaning. His heart was moved to pity. He threw down his bundle of fire-wood; went to prince and pulled out the large thorn that had penetrated deep into his foot. Achal was relieved of his pain. He was silent for a while; and then he said in a polite voice.
"Brother! Who are you? Why have you come into this forest ?"
"I live in the city of Shravasti. My name is Ank; and I eke out my livelihood by selling fire-wood;
"Dear friend ! I will never forget your benefaction. When in future, you hear that Achal has become the king of Mathura, you come and meet me at Mathura. I will never forget your benevolent action."
Then Achal accompanied Ank to Kaushambi. While he was in Kaushambi he heard about a great teacher; and went to his Ashram. The king of Kaushambi used to visit the ashram to learn the art of archery from the teacher. Achal prostrated before the teacher; and said;
"Oh you compassionate one! If you permit me, I will display my skill in archery." After obtaining the consent of the teacher, Achal displayed extraordinary skill as an archer and won the admiration of the teacher and the king. In consequence, there appeared a great intimacy between Indradath and Achal. After sometime, Indradath gave his beautiful daughter to Achal in marriage.
Sometime later, with the assistance of King Indradath Achal took a large army; invaded the kingdom of Anga; and captured it. After that victory, Achal marched towards Mathura with a vast army. After reaching Mathura, he declared a war against Mathura. He achieved an easy victory and imprisoned Bhanuprabha and his brothers. King Chandrabhadra sent his Chief Minister to Achal on a mission of peace and conciliation. Achal revealed his identity to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister and the other ministers were greatly delighted to hear this. They were greatly elated; and informed the king of the matter. The Chief Minister said;
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