________________
ŚRI DHARMANĀTHACARITRA
143
Queen Ammā said: "Hari, this fatal disease of your father's that has developed has been thoroughly examined by experts. I can not bear hearing the word 'widow' even for a moment. Consequently, I, wearing safflower, 197 shall go ahead of your father. My birth had its purpose accomplished by my husband, King Siva, and by you, a son, the fifth Ardhacakrin, son. At my husband's death, my life will depart of its own accord. I shall abandon it by entering the fire. May my courage not be deficient. O son, do not be an obstacle to me now even from affection, as I observe the custom of warrior-families. You, son, and Sudarśana, rejoice with my blessing. I shall precede my husband by the sole road of fire. I make this last request of you today, prince. Do not say anything hindering this ceremony."
After saying this, afraid to hear of her husband's death, she went to enter the fire, the city-gate to the next world.
His body feeble from pain joined to pain, like yokes, his feet stumbling even on level ground, Hari went to his father's side. Recalling his mother and seeing his father ill, too, unable to produce any remedy, thinking himself helpless, Vişņu fell to the ground. Though suffering from inflammatory fever, the king assumed firmness and said:
"What is this, son? Fear is not suitable for your house. This earth is your queen to be supported by your arm. Are you not ashamed to fall on her because of the lack of courage! Do not show by giving up your courage that I behaved ignorantly when I gave you the special name 'Puruşasinha.""
Consoling Šāmgin in this way, King Siva, the abode of happiness, died in the evening. Who is able to escape death?
197 121. A safflower såri seems to have been the usual garment of a sati. Technically, she would not be a sati, as her husband was still living, but it amounts to the same thing.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
