Jain Stories 01

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 63

AMVADA
time, the image told her companion, 'Won't you like to repair now to Vasayadatta's house ?? A nice idea, indeed,' said the lady, 'but, pray, who is to drive our chariot and take us thither' Why, here's Panchasırsa. He may help us,' said the image
“But Amvada was a very clever man and he would do nothing without striking a suitable bargain He agreed to take the ladies to wheresoever they wanted to go, but only on payment of a suitable remuneration The two were ro less shrewd than he, and they wanted to enjoy a fun at bis cost Now, Panchasırsa looked around for the bulls and they were nowhere to be seen Said he, 'Where are the yoke animals? The tu o burst out laughing 'With a pair of yoke animals, none will need you to drive the chariot. Even a child will be as gcod for the purpose Well, man, it's not your business Come and have a ride with us' This was too much of a challenge for a hero of Amvada's stature Still he sat on the chariot but fixed it with his power so that it would move ro longer The pride of the two was thus shattered, and they begged to be forgiven, but the man won't budge till the two agreed to share with him the secret of flying a chariot without yoke animals Well, as there was no alternative to break the impasse, they did oblige the man, and the chariot, with the three passangers on, was now rushing through the air Soon they were with Vasavadatta who was pleased to receive her friends and entertain them with offers Amvada was introduced to her as the new chariot-driver
"The four then visited another of the ladies' friends, one Nagashri, who cordially received them As the four ladies were in the midst of merry-making, Amvada thought of playing a mischief He offered them betel leaves containing magic powder for their chewing As they gladly put the staff in their mouth, they all changed into deer Amvada