Jain Stories 03

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

Page 91

NARMADA SUNDARI
much impressed by the ardentness of the young man, and he settled his daughter in marriage with him
The success of his stratagem made Rudradatta exceedingly happy This was indeed a matter of great surprise for Kuveradatta but he did not lag behind in congratulating his friend on the attainment of his desired objective. Having spent sometime at the father-in-law's house, Rudradatta returned to his own city Chandrapur Rishidatta also came with him Once back to his city, he gave up the Jaina practices, Rishidatta remained firm on the Jaina path for some time but gradually she lost her steadfastness in an alien atmosphere and followed the way of her husband's family. She gave birth to a son who was named Mabesvaradatta. The son grew up to become a fine young man
Sahadeva was Rishidatta's elder brother. Suadari was the name of his wife, Once she desired to take a dip 10 the Narmada, So Sabadeva collected some merchandise and reached the bank of the Narmada with his wife. Sundari's heart's desire was thus fulfilled Sahadeva too had a tremendous turn to his fortune. He earned a fabulous income and founded a city on the bank of the river which was named Narmadapuri After sometime, a daughter was born to them She was named Narmada Sundari
When Narmada Sundari stepped into her youth, the news of her beauty went far and wide Many young men desired to have her as their wife When the news reached the ears of Rishidatta, she desired to have the girl as the bride for her old son Mahesvaradatta But sbe remembered at once that her family was not in the Jaina path, and that the union would, therefore, be next to impossible. At once. there was a drop of tear in her eye Rudradatta noticed this and asked about its cause. When Rishidatta expressed it in so many words, Mahesvaradatta who was present said,
"Mother ! Have no apxiety on this score I shall myself go there to have her and to fulfill your desire I am sure, through your good-wishes, success will be mine