Jain Stories 03

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

Page 79

ANJANA
came to Ratnapuri with the following urgent message for King Prahlada, 'King Varuna has refused to accept the overlordship of King Ravana, because of which the latter has declared a war against him King Varuna's son is very powerful He has already taken some of Ravgpa's best generals and war-lords into captivity So Ravana desires all his friendly kings to come to his assistanee at once.'
The emissary was cordially received the king assured him all possible help to such a great friend and agreed to despatch a strong contingent of army at once King Prahlada himself prepared to go at the head of the army, but Pavapadjaya prevailed upon him with a request to let him go at the head of the army and thus get a chance to prove his worth The king gladly agreed.
The news soon spread through the town and the decision was hailed Anjana too heard about it and she was happy. Now on an appropriate day, Pavananjaya started with the blessing of his parents and with the good-wishes of all bis friends. But even at such a moment, he did not call on Anjana.
People had thronged in thousands at the city gate to see the prince off In one corner, Anjana too stood wishing him victory Suddenly the eyes of the prince fell on her and he was charmed with her beauty. But he did not know whether it was a carefully carved image or a real thing 10 flesh and blood So he turned to his friend and said,
“Who may be that great artist that has created such a charming thing ?”
Said Prahasit,
“This is no image, but a human being in flesh and blood. She is your own wife, Princess Anjana You have neglected her all these years, but 10 response to the call of her duty, she bas come and stands aside to wish you well from a distance."
Pavananjaya at once lost control on himself With bloodshot eyes, he said,