Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

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to King Kumbh to present to her the earrings given by gods. The king was pleased with my gift and immediately asked his daughter Malli to put them on. I was wonder-struck to see her adorned with those earrings. How lovely she looked!" Hearing this the King of Anga sent a courier to Videh also asking for Malli in marriage.
Now, the Princess of the Kunal Kingdom went to offer her salutations to her father King Rukmi, after finishing her water sport. Her eyes shone like a spring morning; and soon she left her father's presence. Her father was very pleased with her beautiful form. So he asked one of the courtiers if he had ever seen a girl more beautiful. Truthfully, the courtier said; "I have seen the unique beauty of Princess Malli of Videh. She is even more beautiful than our Princess."
King Rukmi was intensely agitated and longed to have Princess Malli as one of his wives. Hence, a word was sent asking for her hand in marriage.
A goldsmith of Videh sought refuge with King Shankh of Kashi. The goldsmith had been banished from Videh as he could not fix a broken circlet of one of the earrings given by a merchant to Princess Malli. On hearing his trouble, the King sympathised with him and gave him shelter. In the meantime, the king asked the goldsmith about the beauty of the Princess, who had adorned those god-given earrings. When the goldsmith compared her to a rose, he was anxious to get Princess Malli as his wife and so messengers were sent to ask for her hand.
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