Jain Stories 03

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

Page 17

SURASUNDARI
Taking her to be a forest deity, he bowed to her dari said,
Surasun
“Sır! You are mistaken I am not a deity but an ordinary mortal, an unfortunate woman, who is passing her days here"
Then she gave a complete account of herself and explained why she was staying in the forest If the merchant had no objection, then, she expressed a desire to accompany him in his ship which might help her in the quest for her husband But she demanded an assurance that her chastity must be respected and protected The merchant agreed on her condition Surasundari was now on board the ship. The ship set sail
But the merchant could not for long remain true to his promise Whenever he saw her, he felt a lust for her Now and then he began to make overtures to her At first, Surasundari could not comprehend his feelings, but after some time, she knew what he meant, and at once she realised the danger she was in She was a spirited lady. One day, in a strong tone, she turned down his proposal and asked him to behave properly in future But the merchant was blind with lust He reminded her that he was far more powerful than she, and he would be obliged to use force provided she was so very stubborn He made it clear one day that that was the only reason why he had agreed to take her in the ship, and that if she would not listen to him, then, necessary consequences would follow
Surasundari cast a deep sigh Said she,
'I value may chastity more than even an empire of a chakravartın I can hold mayself against any person's lusty overtures I warn you for the future You should know for certain that I am prepared to die rather than court another man's company”