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JAINA STORIES
astonished. The king became angry with Kuverdatta, the flower-woman and the harlot for creating this trouble and ordered severe punishment for them. Uttamkumar's earnest pleading, however, got their release.
According to the king's proclamation, Uttamkumar was married to Sahasrakala He also married Anangasena who loved him very much. With his four wives, he lived on happily. After some time, the king retired to join the holy order and Uttamkumar became the king in succession to him.
Uttamkumar was now anxious to meet with his parents. Together with his four wives and duly accompanied by many other dignitaries of the state, he came to Varanasi King Makaradhwaja was very happy to see his son after such a long time But the king had grown old and so he expressed a desire that he should retire by handing over the kingdom to such an able son This he did concentrating. henceforth on the affairs of the soul. Uttamkumar was now the king of two states, but he ran the administration with great ability and earned great reputation for his steadfastness In truth, honesty and justice
Once a Jain monk came to Varanasi. King Uttamkumar came to pay his homage and obeisance to him and was inspired by his words. Now he was sufficiently old to retire, He placed his successor on the throne and himself joined the holy order. Therein he attained great spiritual progress, and after death, he acquired life in heaven
