________________
202
CHAPTER EIGHT expelled the messenger. He went to Avanti and told Pradyota about it. Angry, Caņdapradyota covered the quarters with soldiers and set out for Kaušāmbi like a boundless ocean. When Satānika, like a serpent, heard that Pradyota, like a garuda, was approaching, he had dysentery produced by terror and died.
Queen Msgāvati thought: “Now my husband has died and my son Udayana is a child of little strength. Following a stronger person is good policy. But in the case of this lustful man, it would result in a stain on my family. Therefore, a trick is proper in this matter. I shall stay here and, luring him by flattering speeches, shall pass the time with the hope of finding a suitable occasion.”
With these reflections, she gave instructions to a messenger and despatched him. He went to Caņdapradyota who was encamped and said to him: “Mrgāvati says to you: 'Since Satānika has died, you alone are my refuge. But I have a son whose strength has not been reached. If he is abandoned by me, he will be overcome by rival kings as well as powerful agitations of grief caused to a high degree by the death of his father.'”
Delighted by this speech, Pradyota said: “What king, pray, would be able to overcome her son, if I am his protector?” The messenger said again: “Your Majesty, the queen said: “If Pradyota is my lord, no king is able to defeat my son. But His Majesty is far away: neighboring kings are near. Remedies are on Mt. Hima, but the serpent is on the pillow. Since you wish an unhindered union with me, do this-make a high wall in Kauśāmbi with bricks from Ujjayini.'”.
Pradyota agreed to that and set his own fourteen kings with their attendants in a row on the road. He had bricks brought from Avanti by a line of men and soon made a very strong wall at Kaušāmbi.
Again Msgāvati said to him through a messenger, “ King Pradyota, fill this city with money, grain, fuel, et cetera.”
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
