Jain Stories 02

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

Page 99

DHARMAKUMAR
In the land of Bharata in Jambudvipa, there was a city named Kamalapura There reigned a king named Sahasraksa One day, as the king was seated in the court, there came an astrologer, who uttered benediction and resumed a seat The king said,
"Astrologer ! If it pleases you, do enlighten us about what is going to happen in the near future »
The astrologer remained silent When the king repeated his request again, he said,
“Your Majesty ! A severs famine is about to break out which is to last for about twelve years This will strain the administration and wipe out the people
The king was very much perturbed. He said, “We should take remedial measures from now”
He discussed the matter with his entire cabinet and arrived at the decision to empty the treasury to fill up the graneries. The work started at once. Many, who could afford, however, fled the country and moved elsewhere, some even across the sea.
It was the month of asadha (June-July) A patch of cloud was visible in the sky The king was happy. "This will give us the much-needed water', thought he 'It is a very auspicious omen.'
And so it was The cloud soon spread all over the sky. It gave a good shower and the fields had enough water. There was a bumper crop People were relieved The faminc had beca averted and the astrologer proved untrue
One day, the keeper of the king's parks came with the following message :