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along with five other clothes to each of the celibatists belonging to his own religion Minister Pethada also happened to be how noured with one. Since he had not taken to celibacy at the time, Péthada kept the garment along with other idols of deities and paid due homage to it daily Péthada's wife Prathamani was a shrewd woman, who always observed her husband worshipping the garment. At first, she could not make out anything, but after a good many efforts she succeeded in learning the reality. She became anxious to enliance the fame of her mighty and Mustrious husband Consequently, she decided firmly to sacrifice all her pleasures for the sake of her husband, and getting a suitable occasion, she ventured to ask him why he did not wear it; to which Péthada replied, "Have you even considered what sort of thing this is ? Use of such a sacred thing necessitates selfsacrifice, as well as firm determination It can be worn only by a celibate. As I am not one, I cannot put it on " She had already prepared the answer beforehand, which she uttered at the time: “My dear lord ! I wish that you may wear it even at that cost !" At these words, naturally, Péthada was highly rejoiced and both of them took the vow of chastity at the time when youth was at its highest.
Who is not aware of the puissance of chastity ) Illustrious persons like Jinadasa Śrésthin Pitamaha Bhişma, Sri Sthalabhadra, Sri Jambūswamin the last omniscient one, and Vijaya Śréşthin have earned an immortal name by virtue of chastity The vow of chastity, is more difficult to observe than any other vow By the power of chastity even fire turns down as cold as wat. er, of which fact stands the brilliant instance of Sati Sitā. By tbe puissance of chastity alone could Kalāvatî regain her cut off wrists. How can then, Pethada be bereft of such an excellent prowess of chastity ? By virtue of celibacy his body grew more brilliant; the queen's burning fever also could be quenched by the mere touch of his clothes, and even for controlling the mad elephant of the king, the aid of Péthada's garment was sought.
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