Jain Stories 02

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

Page 39

ARAMASOBHA'S PREVIOUS BIRTH
17
went there everyday to offer prayer and worship She came into contact with the pups and acquired the knowledge of nava tattya (nine doctrines) Now she became a sravika like the great Sulasa, steadfast in equanimity. Manibhadra was never niggardly to fulfil her wishes and held her in great esteem Once she desired to donate three gold umbrellas bedecked with jewels to be placed to cover the head of the Jina image and this was readily arranged. Much of her time was now devoted to penance, service to the holy order and sundry religious activities
One day Mapibhadra sat deeply immersed in anxiety when Kuladhara's daughter came to him and enquired about the cause In apprising her of the situation, the merchant said :
"For the worship of the god, the king entrusted me with the upkeep of a flower garden and everyday flowers collected from there were used for worship But today the garden is suddenly dry I tried my best to restore it to freshness but all my efforts have been in vain I know not what hard steps the king would now take against me for this"
"Father," said she, “suffer not with anxiety. Leave the matter to me I shall set it right I command rocklike purity and till the garden is restored to freshness, do I give up my four foods.”
"Don't ye say so, my daughter Put me not to ridicule by taking my anxiety wholly on thyself."
"Father, you know, a vow taken once cannot be dishonoured You will just see that all the adverse forces will give way to the strength of my spirit.”
Kuladhara's daughter returned to the Jina temple Bowing before the image, she immersed herself deep in kayotsarga. She touched neither food nor drink. A day passed, followed by a second and then by a third. At last, Sasanadevi, the controlling goddess of the order, made her appearance on the third night and said .
“My daughter, a god with a wrong outlook has played havoc with the garden But he could not withstand thy purity J-2
ANN