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them went to-gether with some leading Jaina citizens of Khambhāt to Gandhāra, where the Sari was then staying. Though pleased at the advent of the leaders of both the cities together, the Suri grew suspicious about the matter.
All of them were away of the trials that the Sûriji had to go through in the past, and none of them could make out the significance of such an instantaeous invitation from the Emperor. The preceptor, who was silent during the discussions, concluded with these words: “Careless about honour and humilitaion, our predecessors used to visit royal-courts for the sake of service to the Paith; and their instructions resulted in the rulers' performing many righteous and pious deeds. The benefit of teaching an emperor is greater than teaching to the millions. Hence ridding your mind of all suspicions and fears, you must consent to my going to the Emperor." And the earnestness and courage of the Sūri were not lost upon the assembly so that all agreed to his opinion.
Thereupon the Ācārya commenced his journey on the 7th day of the dark-half of Mărgasirsa, and after halting at Cancol and Jambaūsr, he crossed the river Mahi and arrived at Vaţadar where the Punjab - caravan was awaiting him to pay respects.
Here a surprising incident occurred. While at night the preceptor was giving in his bed half awake and half asleep, a celestial lady approached him with these words : "Since Akabar loves you much, you need not doubt his sincerity and motives. So please go there and enhance the glory of the Faith preached by Maâvira Swāmin." "So saying, she disappeared even before the Sûri could grasp the situation All the same, he was highly encouraged by the incident, and, extending his journey, he came to Ahmedabad via Sojură, Mátar, Båreja and other places.
At Ahmedabad he was awarded a warm welcome. Poor Shihab Khân dared not come face to face with the holy person
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