Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 82

3) What is of essence?
4) Which is the most substantial element?
Different candidates gave different replies that were not acceptable to Kalävatii. When it was the turn of Shankh, he replied as under;
1) The entities who have overcome all the defilements are the gods to be worshipped.
2) The preceptor who knows scriptures, who exercises self control and is free from attachment is the true Guru.
3) Seeking the well being of soul is of essence
4) The soul is the only substantial element.
Kalävati was pleased with the replies of Shankh. So she laid her garland around his neck. Her father and all other relatives liked her choice and praised her for making the right selection. An auspicious day was then fixed for performance of the wedding ceremony. On that occasion the city was adorned with all sorts of costly decorations. Every where there were banners wishing all sorts of happiness to the would be couple. The wedding ceremony took place with all possible pomp in the presence of the well known people. On that occasion the king Vijaysen gave many costly gifts to the newly weds. Then Kalävati left Mälwä and went to Shankhpuri with her husband.
Shankh and Kalävati felt very happy and pleased for getting together. They very much loved each other. It seemed as if they were made for each other. Much time passed away in the midst of utmost joy and happiness. Then one night, Kalävati dreamt of swallowing a pot of nectar. She was pleased to have such a nice and pleasing dream. She woke up and talked to her husband about the dream. In the morning, the King Shankh called for the well known astrologers. They were unanimous in stating that the dream was very auspicious and was symbolic of getting a sweet son. The king and the queen were very pleased to hear that. From that time on, Shankh took all possible care to see that none of Kalaväti's desires remained unfulfilled. He considered the pregnancy of his beloved as a heavenly boon. He also took every precaution to see that Kalavati does not come across any type of problem. For Kalävati, a few months thus passed in the midst of divine happiness.
Then came the occasion of the shower party. The king Vijaysen was very glad to learn that he was going to get a grand child. He sent highly valuable gifts for his daughter as well as for the would be baby. The prince Jaysen wanted to send something special for his loving sister. He got prepared two diamond studded bracelets with artistic designs and sent the same to his sister along with the gifts from his father. Kalävati was excited to see all those gifts but when she noticed the gift from her brother, her joy knew no bounds. She instantly put the bracelets on her hands. She had been highly glamorous from the beginning, but her glamour increased a lot with those bracelets on. Her friends too appreciated the gift and were envying her for having so lovable brother. Kalävati replied that she heartily loved him and was very much pleased to get from him those wonderful bracelets.
That very time the king Shankh happened to come that side. He overheard the reply that Kalävati gave to her friend. He got a rude shock to hear those words. Most of the kings used to be very suspicious. They did not hesitate to take even the most drastic step, if they somehow happened to get the slightest excuse for doubting the chastity of their wives. They could not tolerate even the so called unchastity of their partners. On hearing those words Shankh thought that Kalavati was talking about some lover who had sent the bracelets to her. He got mad to think that his