________________
...... EMANCIPATION OF PĂRŚVANATHA 419 scabbard, but miserable Priyadarśanā thought:
“ Alas! this sacrifice with men to the goddess is for my sake. How has this inglorious thing been caused by me! Oh! Oh! I have become a Rākşasi.”
Bandhudatta, knowing that death had come, pure-minded, began to recite namaskāras, virtuous. Hearing his voice, at once Priyadarśanā opened her eyes and saw her husband, She said to Caņdasena, “ Brother, you have been faithful to a promise, since this is Bandhudatta, your sister's husband.” Falling at his feet, Candasena said to Bandhudatta: “ Pardon this crime of ignorance. You are master. Give orders.”
Delighted, Bandhudatta said to Priyadarśanā, “What crime is there of this man who has reunited me with you?” Then giving orders to Caņdasena, Bandhudatta had the men released from prison and said to him, “What is this ? ” and the Bhilla-king told the story ending in the offering for the fulfilment of his wish.
Bandhu said: “Pūjā with living creatures is not fitting. You should worship the goddess with flowers, et cetera. You should avoid injury, other people's money and wives, and falsehood. Be a vessel of contentment.” He agreed, “ Very well," and the goddess, being near, said, “Beginning with today, my worship must be made with white lotuses, et cetera.” Hearing that, many Bhillas became bhadrakas at once.
The son was handed over to Bandhudatta by Priyadarśanā. Bandhudatta handed over his son to Dhanadatta and told his wife, “ He is my maternal uncle.” She veiled herself and bowed from a distance to her father-in-law. He gave a blessing and said, “ A name for the son is fitting today.” Since he had given joy to his relatives by the gift of life, his parents gave him the name Bāndhavānanda.
After conducting Bandhudatta and his uncle to his house, the Kirāta-chief gave them food and then handed over the loot that he had taken. Caņdasena, his hands folded respectfully, brought tiger-skins, chauris, elephant-tusks, pearls, fruit, et cetera to Bandhudatta. Bandhu dismissed the prisoners,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
