Jain Stories 02

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

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JAINA STORIES
"Whatever you do, I shall not deviate from my path', The kiog too raised his voice and said,
“You foolish girl ! you are unaware of the consequences of transgressing my order If you do not favourably respond to me, I shall not hesitate to apply force."
Vasantashri was terrified, but to save the situation, she said,
"Your Majesty! What is the hurry about it? If there is no good news about my husband, I shall do as Your Majesty will be pleased to suggest”
When all this was happening, Harıbala, who had already returned, was watching the whole thing from behind a pillar. He had left his newly-wedded wife in the park and had come to see Vasantashri when the king was there. He was happy at the purity and steadfastness of his first wife Now he stood before her It was a moment of great joy for Vasantashri. She reported all that the king had tried to do during his absence but all had been in vain. Harıbala was boiling with rage but this was no occasion to take revenge On his own part, he narrated his journey to Lanka, his voyage, his experience at the capital of the demons, and his marriage with Kusumasbri Vasantashri now made preparations to receive her co-wife. When the two met, they were locked 10 deep embrace
The news of Haribala's return from Laoka spread with the speed of a lightning and the king also came to know of it. He had pot only come back after inviting King Vibbisana, bot had won his daughter's hand This was highly disheartening, but the king suppressed his real feeling and informed the court as follows: "Gentlemen | It is a great news today that our good friend and courtier Haribala has returned and will coter the metropolis today. This is a great personal honour to me, to the people and to the country at large We have to accord him a filting welcome, for wbich the city has to be properly decorated I shall myself receive him in full audicocc None of my people should keep aside on this great occasion."
Within a few hours, this announcement reached every