Jain Stories 03

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

Page 26

16
JAINA STORIES
Horsemen were despatched to pursue the thieves. They searched all corners of the kingdom, but the thieves could not be traced At last, the king announced a reward of half the kingdom and the princess' hand to one who would be able to catch the thief, or give a clue to their hiding place
"When I heard about the announcement, I made use of my power to attract and this brought the thieves at once in my presence I handed them over to the guardians of law and order The king was highly pleased He gave me half the kingdom and his daughter's hand'
39
Jokingly, Amarkumar asked,
"And you married the princess ?"
"Why not? I was not a fool to let go the chance "
She pointed to a room inside where the princess was and gestured to her At once she joined with them and saluted Amarkumar
Surasundari said
"So you see what I said in my student days has turned into a reality For seven shells, I have acquired a kingdom and a princess too Now, you please marry her and look after the affairs of the state "
An unexpected meeting after a separation becomes the source of the greatest joy This meeting between Surasundari and Amarkumar brought immense joy to both When the king heard about it, he became very happy Princess Gunamanjari was married with Amarkumar
After spending some time at Benatat, Amarkumar decided to return home to his parents With his two wives and a huge wealth he came back to the city of Champa His parents were overjoyed to see him after such a long time All relatives and friends were happy
Once a wise monk came to Champa His words created inspiration for Amarkumar, Surasundari and Gunamanjari to Join the holy order In the holy order, they practised diversc penances and made a great progress towards liberation