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there are certain sings on his feet by which I will certainly recognize him. Thereupon, Sheth Déva-datta made arrangements for Bhiksă-dāna ( giving of alms ) by his daughter Srimatî to every ascetic who came to the town. So that, she may be able to see their feet. Long time possed but Śrimati did not, in the least, become slack in her firm resolution; on the contrary, she became very obstinate in her determination of not marrying with anyone else except her selected Muni.
One day, however, Ārdraka Muni happened to come accidentally into the town While paying respects by bowing down at the feet of the Muni, who came there after many months, Srimati looked at the signs on his feet, and she at once recognized him. Then, Sheth Déva-datta, the king of the town, and some prominent citizens, unitedly informed Ārdraka Muni about the firm determination of Srimati of marrying with none except the Muni and they all requested Ārdraka Muni to marry her. Ārdraka Muni became much bewildered at such a strange offer. But he was, at last, prevailed upon to marry her and to remain with her as long as she gave birth to a male child.
In course of time, Srimati became pregnant and she gave birth to a handsome boy. Ārdraka Muni, now thought of going away. Srimati and other persons, prevented him from going else where, saying that he should live with her so long as the boy leaves off his mother's milk and he is able to walk about here and there. Then, again, when the boy was able to walk about merrily, Ardraka Muni, made up his mind to go away. But the shrewd merchant girl, devised a plan and she was successful. She began to spin cotton on a Réntiš (spinning wheel). The boy asked her:--Mother ! What are you doing? She replied : 'My dear son! Your father is going away, leaving us helpless. You have not grown up to an age when you can earn. Therefore, I shall maintain you by working on this un-censurable piece of labour, quite suitable for a helpless woman.'
On hearing this, the lovely boy, affectionate as he was to
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