Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 64

15
CHILATIPUTRA
handutta was a famous rich merchant who lived in
Rajgrihi of ancient times. He was respected everywhere in the kingdom. He employed a maid-servant named Chilati. She was very gentle and sincere in her work. Hence she endeared herself to all in the town. She had a son, but, people used to call him Chilatiputra instead of by his original name.
This child was brought up along with Dhandutta's daughter, Sushama. After some time Chilati, the maid-serant died, but, her son continued to live as a member of the family of the rich man.
Sushama came in close contact with this boy and, therefore, began to have a soft corner for him. In short, she was love-lorn and pining for him. inspite of his being low-born for love knows no frontiers of caste or class.
Of course, Chilatiputra, too, loved her but he was rather fickle minded. Hence, he could not appreciate her. He used to pass most of his time in the company of his friends. Often, he would not go to the house, even to take his meals. He would, also, return home very late at night and poor Sushama waited for his return late in the night.