Jain Stories 02

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

Page 71

MAIRAVATI
Ripumardana was the ruling king at the city of Ksitipratistbita and Madaparekha was his first queen. She was a devoted sravika who was acquainted with the principles of religion She gave birth to a daughter who was named Mairavati. She was her mother's daughter, a mixture of beauty, conduct and intellect The king made proper arrangement for her education and very soon she became proficient in all the branches of learning Her spiritual education was in charge of her mother.
One day, when the court was in session, Mairavati was sent there by her mother. She was in the best of her robes and ornaments The princess bowed before her father, the kiog, who affectionately received her and made her sit on the throne with himself The king had a proud bend of mind. Addressing the courtiers, he said,
"Do you think there is another monarch on earth who has as much material prosperity, illustrious court and gifted kinsmen as I have ?"
"Your Majesty, what to speak of having them, in reality, they cannot conceive them even in dreams.
"The princess, however, did not agree She signified her dissent by nodding her head bothways and added,
“Sire, whatever the courtiers have stated is stark flattery, a total violation of truth On this earth, there are many monarchs who are in possession of equivalent treasure, court and kipsmen. Are these really things to be proud of ?"
This observation was not palatable to the king who Overlooked it
He asked the courtiers again : "By whose favour are you all happy ?"