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85,
to prepare the pyre in my presence only.'
Sobha then went away after narrating this story. Mahabal began to worry. He told Malaya, dressed in man's garb :
'Malaya! Time is very scant at our disposal. And all things have to be done. It will be a great disaster if we can't save your father. Moreover, is Lakshmipunj necklace is not found out, my mother queen Padmavati and myself will both do self immolation by burning on the pyre.'
Malaya replied:
'Prince my mother has taught me that however big a calamity befalls us, if we do not abandon the religious path, the calamity is transformed into happiness.' I have been saved from the jaws of death by virtue of constant repeatition of God Arihant and by observing religious rules.'
Mahabal was encouraged and became hopeful by these words. He said :
