Jain Stories 03

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

Page 89

ANJANA
79
Now, both King Prahlada and King Mahendra sent hundreds of emissaries all over the world in search of the great lady In this manner, 29 days passed, and there was no ray of hope from any quarter to save Pavananjaya It was now the thirtieth day Pavananjaya stood firm to enter into a blazing pyre the moment the day was out, There was deep despair on everybody's face.
Just then an air-chariot appeared in sight. It so happened that an emissary had gone to Hanupur, and finding Anjana there, he communicated the need of urgency of their return, lest Pavananjaya should end his life on the expiry of the thirtieth day. Hence the whole party hurried at once and reached the spot in time
Anjana's parents and parents in-law shed tears, but these were tears of regret Anjana consoled them saying that all this was the outcome of karma, in which they were merely instrumental There was for them really no reason to repent. And between Anjana and Pavananjaya, this was a supreme moment, a great reunion They could hardly open their lips At last Pavananjaya broke the silence
"I made you miserable for long 12 years "
"But now you were about to sacrifice your life for my sake." Anjana retorted
Now, as the person who had given shelter to Anjana and her child, and saved the live of Pavananjaya, Vidyadhara Pratisurya had the greatest claim on Pavananjaya He invited him with his wife and son, his own parents and his wife's parents to be first his guests of honour at Hanupur. The invitation was accepted
Now, it was time for Mahendra to lay down the reins of office in favour of his very capable and worthy son. Pavananjaya had a very glorious regime, towards the close of which he too renounced the world to devote the remaining portion of his life in spiritual activities The great lady Anjana practised severe penances and at last courted death in the prescribed Jaina way through a long fast
Among traditional Indian womanhood, with Sita, Savitri, Damayanti, Anjana's too is a great name, and she is remembered to this day with the greatest respect and admiration