Jain Stories 03

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

Page 20

10
JAINA STORIES
dropped into it The master of the crew saw her and was charmed at her beauty He proposed to marry her Surasundari made it clear to him that this was not possible under any circumstance
The sailor believed in her story and assured her not to trouble any more But he was greedy of money and he thought that she would fetch him a large amount if she was sold to some prostitute When the ship reached the next port, he took her to a prostitute who gave him ample wealth in exchange for such a beautiful woman
Now, the prostitute came to Surasundari to teach her the ins and outs of her profession Surasundari said to herself, "What an ill-luck! Where have I arrived' But she was helpless She handled the situation carefully and said, "I am under a vow for three days If you spare me for this. period, I shall abide by your lastructions”
The prostitute agreed
Surasundari was pow looking for an opportunity to flee from there
Next day, the prostitute went to the king's palace on a special invitation Other women in the house were busy with their own affairs Surasundarı availed of this opportunity and crept out of her prison At a hurried pace, she came to the sea-shore and decided to put an end to this uncertain life With her eyes closed, she uttered the namiokar and jumped into the sea
As she fell, she was swallowed by a big fish But the fish was caught in a fisherman's net The fish was very heavy too The fisherman was happy with this big catch Quickly he brought it home and cut it across the belly Out came a charming lady But she was senseless The fisherman pursed her and she recovered