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પાયકુસુમાંજલિ
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words. The people of this city complained to their King Srenika about their being harassed by a thief whereupon the king asked the city guards to catch the thief. When they failed to carry out the work, he asked his chief minister Abhayakumara to look to the same. He asked the city-guards to surround the whole city with the help of the army when the thief had entered the city. The next day the thief came as usual but was caught in the end and was taken before the king. As there was no direct proof of his being a thief. the king had to think over as to what he should do in that case. The thief being asked to give some information about himself said that his name was Durgachanda and that he was an inhabitant of S'alirama. He added that for the sake of pleasure he had come there and at night had put up in a certain temple in that city. He further said that as he was going to his native place, he found himself surrounded by the men and being stricken with fear be tried to cross the walls of the city but failed in his attempt and was caught in the end. The king thereupon sent men to inquire of the people of Saligrama if there lived any man named Durgachand. People there confirmed the thief's statement as it was prearranged by the thief. Then Abhayakumara began to think over as to how he could be proved a thief. He got constucted a celestially beautiful palace and kept men therein to perform functions commonly observed in heaven. The thief was made to drink wine and was dressed as a god and was then taken to this palace. When the thief came to his
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