________________
S. T. Nimkar
876. Wiping her face clean with water in the Kamandalu, and
looking at my face, Lilāvati said, “Noble lady it surprises
us, 877. (to see) this matted hair, these barks of trees (as garments)..
this stay here (in penance-grove) - these are far unbecom
ing of your age, wealth, beauty and family tradition". 878. And I told her in all earnestness, O brollier. what I told
you before, as her mind was innocent (of it). 879. Hearing that from me, she immediately said; “Noble lady..
from today I will also stay here; 880. As long as it takes for your union with that consort desired
by your heart, I will wait upon you (lit. your feet) till:
then". 881. When this was said (by her) we said, "Let evil be averted;
as we hear this from you, good girl, that is unpleasant to
hear, 882. although we have stored up bad karmas (for ourselves).
let happiness come to us now, which is valuable and consists in sceing your marriage with the consort desired
hy your heart”. 883. Lilāvatī said again, "Do not say so: don't you know what
(our) forebears have said, (namely that)884. Deeds which are done with any regard to the order of
seniority are wrong and come 10 ridicule in this world ? 885. If, somehow, not knowing your calamity. I have gone
astray, it is bygone; now, hereafter, do not say that I
should go against the propriety in the world". 886. What more shall I tell you ? Even with great persuasion
(lit. with great difficulty) we were not able to turn her
away from this resolve of hers. 887. Thus we are overpowered by a number of calamities; why
do you ask whether we have not been favoured hy Bhavāni
(so far)?" . 888. Hearing all this from Kuvalayāvali's mouth, Oking. I said,
with my joy not contained within my heart
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
