Jain Stories 03

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

Page 27

2. MRIGASUNDARI
King Chandrasekhara reigned in the city of Virpur. Chandrakanta was his queco and Gunekar the minister. The king bad high regard for public opinion. So at night, he used to wander in disguise. This kept him well posted with the people's Deeds and grievances and helped him to take necessary measures This also made him popular and highly respected One night, as he was on his usual rounds, he heard people at several places saying "The king has been a very able administrator, but as he has no son to succeed him, what will happen to us after him 7"
This created a concern in the king's mind about the future of his kingdom and he returned to the palace When the queen enquired about the cause of his gloom, he kept silent since he did not want to cause her any pain. But he could not remain silent for long and shared his concern with the queen The queen too shared in the king' concern and said.
“My lord : It is very unfortunate that I could not give you a son But it is time that you marry again and fill up this gap I shall welcome it”
But the king could not agree. Said he
“But, my dear, who will take care of the breach of peace that invariably follows such a situation as you suggest? I do not intend to take a second wife Better have faith in luck A throne never remains without a king"
But the queen had no peace She invoked the family deity and went on fast for three days, at the end of which the deity appeared and said,
“Lady! I am sorry, in no case can you have a son. Such is the order of Providence and it cannot be trans
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