Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

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18
METARYA
Netarya was born to an untouchable woman. He was
sold to a rich man at his very birth. The rich man's wife had given birth to many children. But they were all still-born.
Now this adopted son grew up into a youth. Preparations were made for his marriage and he was about to go round the fire, to take his matrimonial vows.
All of a sudden, his real mother burst upon the scene. She began to demand that her son be returned to her. All the people gathered at the marriage ceremony were aghast at this. A great hubbub was created. Hearing the disturbance, the rich man rushed out. He noticed an untouchable woman at his door. He got angry and asked her to go out. But she was adamant and said, “Please don't be so angry. This is my son. I had sold him to you at the time of his birth."
The rich man was a little perplexed at his disgrace but he soon got over the difficult situation and said, “Don't be stupid, you have gone mad."
To this she affirmed vehemently, “No, I am not mad. I am perfectly sane. Ask your wife and you will know the truth."
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