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252
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Your Highness! He is not an enemy king. He is the apple of your eyes.... . Your dear son, Achal."
King Chandrabhadra's joy knew no bounds. He received Achal into the city with all grandeur and eclat and installed him, upon the throne amidst magnificent celebrations and jubilations and crowned him king of the country. At the same time Chandrabhadra banished Bhanuprabha and other princes but Achal did not approve of this order of Chandrabhadra. He gave them protection and engaged them as his confidants.
Sometime later, unexpectedly Achal happened to see Ank of the city of Shravasti. He saw some soldiers beating him severely and treating him in a heinous manner. Achal gave him protection and consoled him by telling him who he was. said,
He
"Noble man! What do you want?"
"Dear Lord! Kindly send me back to my place."
"You may return to your place. I will bestow upon you the kingdom of Shravasti as a gift. Henceforth, you will not be a contemptible man but the king of Shravasti. Go and rule over the kingdom. May you have peace and prosperity." He gave his minister the necessary instructions and ordered him to take Ank to Shravasti. In course of time, Ank was crowned king of Shravasti. Ank and Achal became bosom friends.
Once a great Acharya by name Samudracharya happened to visit Mathura with his disciples. His spiritual discourses inspired in the theart of Achal the spirit of renunciation. He at once sent for Ank and the two friends received the Deeksha from the great Acharya.
The two brothers after becoming munis carried out severe spiritual austerities and after their death in this world, they were born in the Brahmadevalok. Later, they took birth again in this world. Achal was born as Shatrughna and Ank was born as the commander Kritantavadan. This is the reason why your brother Shatrughna has such a great attachment for Mathura."
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