________________
सिंह
गज
वृषभ
lifted the Panchajanya conch, put it to his lips and blew it hard. The piercing loud sound emanating from the great conch shocked the town. Shrikrishna rushed to the armoury. Seeing Arishtanemi playfully handling the giant and heavy weapons belonging to Vasudev, Shrikrishna was astonished. He asked, "Nemi ! did you blow the Panchajanya ?" Nemi innocently replied, “Yes brother ! It is so cute I could not contain myself."
Shrikrishna knew that his weapons were beyond the capacity and strength of any warrior in the world. He was astonished and pleased at the same time, that his young cousin was so strong and powerful. He wanted to test Nemi's strength further; he invited Nemi to the gymnasium for a friendly trial of strength. First Shrikrish.. raised his arm and held it straight asking Nemi to bring it down. Nemi forced Shrikrishna's arm down without any apparent effort. After this Nemi raised his arm and Shrikrishna, in spite of all his strength could not force it down. He even put all his weight on the outstretched arm but as if it was a beam of steel, the arm of Nemi did not move even a fraction of an inch. (AN-2/a)
Shrikrishna was very pleased knowing about this unprecedented strength of his cousin. He thought that this great individual, much more powerful than him, is capable of becoming a Chakravarti. But how could he become a Chakravarti if he does not change his attitude of detachment for all worldly activities. Shrikrishna formulated a plan. He asked Nemi to marry and start his family life. Nemi still did not show any interest. Shrikrishna now consulted his queens and organised a spring festival. The ladies dragged Nemi Kumar to the pool for water games and there they used all their guile to pursuade him to agree for marriage. Shrikrishna also requested once more. Nemi presented a smiling but thoughtful look. With his divine knowledge he became aware that it was the marriage celebration that would initiate him on the path of liberation. As such he did not oppose the proposal. His silence was taken as a sign of affirmation and it was joyously announced that Nemi Kumar had finally agreed for marriage. (AN-2/b)
Shrikrishna started the search for a suitable match. One of his queens, Satyabhama, informed that her beautiful and delicate younger sister, Rajul, would be an extremely suitable match for Nemi Kumar. Shrikrishna finalised all arrangements. On the arranged date the marriage procession started with Nemi Kumar riding the decorated king elephant. All the kings and princes of the Yadav clan joined the procession with their royal regalia and retinue. When the procession was approaching the destination, Nemi Kumar saw that on the side of the road there were large fenced areas and cages full of wailing animals and birds. Filled with sympathy and compassion, he asked the elephant driver why those animals and birds were being kept in bondage. The driver informed him that the creatures were collected to be butchered for meat for the large number of guests attending his marriage. (AN-3/a)
लक्ष्मी
पुष्पमाला
चन्द्र
Illustrated Tirthankar Charitra
(c
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सचित्र तीर्थकर चरित्र
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