Monk and Monarch

Author(s): Vidyavijay
Publisher: Deepchand Banthia

Page 63

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title was 'Rajakaran.' Soon after he finished his meal, he was called to the presence of the Emperor.
It is believed that at the time of his first visit to the Emperor the following monks accompanied him :- viz., Upadhyaya Vimalharshgani, Shantichandragani, Sahajsagargani, Sinhvimalgani, Hemavijaygani, Labhvijaygani, and Dhanvijaygani.
Seeing them from a distance, Akbar left his seat and went forward along with his three sons Shekhuji, Pahadi (Murad) and Danial. He met him just outside his sitting room, and the following conversation took place between them before they entered the room. Akbar asked,
"I am sorry that I have troubled you to come all this distance. But tell me this, why did you come on foot ? I had given orders to provide you with all facilities, including horses and elephants."
The Suri replied, “Though I was offered all facilities, I could not accept them. It is one of our central tenets that wherever we go we must go on foot. And as to my coming here, it is our duty to preach and spread our religion."
Akbar then inquired if he passed his journey well, etc. He then asked the Suri the names of the places of Jain pilgrimage, to which Suriji replied by naming Shatrunjay, Girinar, Abu, Sammetshikhar, etc.
Now Akbar thought of taking the Suri to his room, so he invited him to his 'Chitrashala' or painting-hall. They went there, but the Suri stopped at the door and said that he could not put his foot on the costly carpet which was spread there. Akbar said that there was no harm in walking on it, as it was clean and de void of all dirt. But the Suri said,
"Our scriptures say, 'creuai RECUEII'. We should place our foot on the bare land after seeing the ground with our eyes. Here the ground is not seen, being covered with the carpet. Who knows, there may be insects below the carpet."
Akbar mentally laughed at this, but soon lifted up a corner of the carpet to take the Suri inside. But as he lifted the corner,