Monk and Monarch

Author(s): Vidyavijay
Publisher: Deepchand Banthia

Page 60

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and other sages. At Fatehpur Sikri they put up at the sain temple. Leading Jains of the place like Thansingh, Manu Kalyan and Amipal soon came there, and with them Vimalharsh decided to see Shaikh Abul Fazl first and then the Emperor. Their purpose in coming in advance of the Suri was to ascertain the bona fides of the Emperor.
Vimalharsh, along with Sinhvimal Panyas, Dharmasi Rishi, and Gunasagar, went to Abul Fazl. There he had some talks with the Shaikh. Vimalharsh asked him the reason why Suriji was called by Akbar. The Shaikh assured him that the Emperor simply wished to discuss and know what their religious tenets were. They then went to the Emperor, where they were introduced as the pupils of that Hirvijayasuri whom the Emperor had invited. The Emperor received them with greetings and asked them about the arrival of the Suri. He asked them, "Why have you left the world ?" Upadhyaya Vimalharsh replied at length saying,
" We consider the body to be frail. Our sages say,
अनित्यानि शरीराणि विभवो नैव शाश्वतः । नित्यं संनिहितो मृत्युः कर्तव्यो धर्मसंग्रहः ॥
that is, our bodies are frail; our prosperity is not permanent; death is always at our door; therefore one should turn to religion."
The Emperor was much pleased to hear all this. They then returned, being convinced that the Emperor's intention in calling the Suri was genuine.
Now knowing that the Suri had reached Sanganer, Jains from Fatehpur Sikri went to him and informed him about the interview with the Emperor. He started from Sanganer and reached Abhiramabad via Navaligam, Chatsu, Hindavani, Sikandarpur and Bayana. He bridged over some local differences of the Sangha at Abhiramabad.
From Abhiramabad, Fatehpur Sikri was only 12 miles. They soon started for Fatehpur. There the whole Jain populace went out to receive the Suri. It was on the 12th day of the black half