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and the grace of your body, clearly speak out for themselves that you are born in a noble family, and I am fully convinced of it. "
Śrèpika Kumara, then, lived at Bhadra Seth's house, enjoying worldly pleasures with his newly-married wife In course of time, Nanda became pregnant. During the latter part of her pregnancy she had an ardent desire of riding an elephant and giving dâna (gifts to the poor and needy) and abhaya-dâna (granting of security) to the lives of all living beings. Her desire was fulfilled by Bhadra Sètha with the help of the King of Beņā taṭa Nagara. In due course of time, Nandâ gave birth to a beautiful son. The boy was named Abhaya Kumâra on account of the pre-natal desires of his mother. He turned out very wise and his sound judgment and deep intellect, became the subject of universal praise from his boyhood.
King Prasènajit on Death-bed
When King Prasenjit became dangerously ill, he, at once, sent his servants on very swift camels to find out and bring to his bed-side his favourite son Śrèņika Kumāra. When the king's servants informed Śrènika Kumara about the serious illness of his father, he, at once, started to go with them, with the permission of his wife Nanda and of Bhadra Sètha. But he did not think it advisable to give them any clue about his family-members without knowing the events that may happen in near fature. He, however, gave preganant Nadă a piece of paper in which he wrote "I am a go-pâla * of Rajagraha Nagara with tall white walls," He also, told her that he would at once recognise her and her progeny, the moment she sent the piece of paper to him. Morehe informed her that as he was going to be involved in a very important business, he will practically have no time to her for the present.
over,
see
* A cowher or a protector of earth-a king.
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