Kalikal Sarvagna Hemchandracharya

Author(s): Anandsagarsuri, Sagaranandsuri
Publisher: Manav Mangal Bombay

Page 13

father is out of town and I do not know what his reaction would be on returning."
Pabini Devi had a mixed feeling both of joy and fear. Acharya gave his blessings and told her to remain calm and peaceful. He took the child and immediately left for Khambhat (Cambay), a big port on the west coast of Gujarat. He handed over the child to Mahaamatya Udayan. Chief Minister of Maharaj Siddharaj Jaysimh in Khambhat and asked him to rear the child according to Jain traditions. Udayan himself was a Shravak, living strictly according to Jain precepts for a householder.
Chachdev returned to Dhandhuka after a few days and wanted to see Changdev. Pahini Devi narrated the full story to him. He took a vow not to eat or drink anything until he saw his son, then left immediately for Khambhat. He contacted Acharya Devchandrasoori and asked him to return his child to him. The Acharya gave his reasons for taking over the child but Chachdev was not prepared to listen to anything. Meanwhile Udayan, on hearing the arrival of Chachdev, came to the Upashray, handed over the child to him and invited them home. Chachdev was pleased and they had lunch together.