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On hearing these words of Vardhamāna Kumāra, his friends respectfully bowing down said, O Prince! It is not proper for you to act thus. Wise persons are always afraid of rejecting the beneficent requests of their kinsmen, and they are naturally indifferent to achieving their own objects. Have not Bhagavā Risabba Swāmi and other Tirthankaras previo. usly led a married life? Or, have not Bhagavān Śrî Santi Nãth and other Jinéśvaras, enjoyed the paramount sovereignty of a Cakravartin ?". When his friends were ihus talking to him, Trisalā-dévi, accompained by a retinue of female-servants, came to Vardhamãoa Kumāra Approaching seven or eight steps inwards her and offering her a seat, Vardhamāna Kumāra respectfully honoured her Then, with the closed cavity of both his hands held in front of his forehead, Vardhamana Kumāra told Tribalā-dévi, " Mother! please tell ne the object of your coming here.” Trišalā-dévî said “Darling! what other special cause can th re be except your darśana ( sight ) ? My whole human world is centered in you; all iny hopes are encompassed in you. With your presence, the happy royal wealth gives us entire satisfaction, the palace affords rest, the friends are favourable, and the three worlds are devoid of darkness, What other excellent occasion can I mention ! On hearing these words of Trišală-dévî, the obedient Vardbamāna Kumāra thought:--The affection of my mother towards myself is incom. ceivable, her tenderness is unique, and her feeling on viewing me is so uncommon that although I am always so near her, if she does not see me even for a short time, she becomes greatly distressed." With this idea in his mind, Vardhamana Kumāra said. “O Moiher ! still let me know your ideas." Trisalā-dévî then said, “ If it be so, then you accept my proposal for your marriage-celebration, Your friends have been purposely sent by us. The king and the citizens are anxious for your marriage. Besides, I am also desirous of having the happy state not acquired before by me. By the prowess of meritorious actions, all my other desires have been satisfactorily fulfilled." On hearing these words of Trišalā-devi, the dutiful Vardhamana Kumāra thought, “When I was in my mother's womb, I
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