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JAINA STORIES
kara in a dense forest in the western direction from the city The goddess further advised her to worship the tirthankara everyday and offered her the assistance of a divine peacock to carry her there, I am that Tilakamanjari, sir, and you understand now the purpose of my presence here."
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Just at that moment a peacock came down. While taking leave of the stranger, the princess said,
"This peacock is my vahicle, and I come here everyday on his back Today I complete a month of my worship, but I do not see any trace of my sister anywhere Sir, you are moving through many lands If, by chance, you come across a lady bearing similarity with me, be kind enough to pass the information on to me
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"Charming lady! Surely shall I oblige you if I see one like you So far in my wandering I did not come across any such lady but I met a hermit youth in a forest."
"To-day you will surely meet your sister," said the parrot, "In that case, I shall remain ever grateful to you.”
When the three were in the midst of conversation, a terrified goose fell from the sky and sat on Ratnasar's lap saying, 'Oh brave man! I seek refuge with thee. I am wretched and helpless, and there is none to save me. Please save my life " Ratnasar took the goose under his protection and uttered words of consolation. He offered it cool water to drink After the goose was somewhat pacified, Ratnasar asked who it was, wherefrom did it come, how it could speak in human voice, and of whom it was so much afraid. He assured that he would try to mend the situation and allay the fear if it was within his power in any way. As the goose was about to recount its story, however, a noise became audible outside and soon there appeared some soldiers outside the temple. The parrot now came near the temple door and said to the soldiers in an angry voice,
"Men! Haven't you reached a wrong place? Don't you know that Prince Ratnasar is taking rest here? Aren't you familiar with his prowess, which neither gods, nor demons
