Walk With Me

Author(s): Chandanaji Acharya, Vastupal Parikh
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 38

Walk With Me
“I am sure Ganadhar Sudharma that you have heard of the famous king, Maharaja Chetak. Chandana is his granddaughter, and the only daughter of King Dadhivahan, of the kingdom of Anga, and his wife Dharini. Her original name is 'Vasumati'. Being the only child, she was raised with great love and was trained like a prince to look after the kingdom. As a child, she also knew Mahavir. However, life has its vicissitudes, and one never knows what turns it might take. Little Vasumati's life was no exception.
While Vasumati was still a little princess, perhaps about ten or twelve years of age, King Shatanik of Vatsa, attacked the kingdom of Anga. The attack was unexpected, as the two Kings were close relatives. However, lust and greed know no relatives. It was a vicious attack, and Vasumati's father -King Dadhivahan had no choice but to escape, leaving his family behind. As soon as Anga's army learned that their King has abdicated, one of Anga generals went to the palace and told the queen that the king has gone into hiding and has asked him to take the royal family to safety away from the city. He asked Queen Dharini and the young Princess Vasumati to leave with him immediately.
The queen did not suspect the motives of the General, and did not even question why the General himself drove her chariot unaccompanied by soldiers at such a dangerous time. Once away from the city, as the chariot entered a thick forest, the General stopped and attempted to molest the queen. The Queen was shocked and tried to resist, but she was no match for his strength. Vasumati likewise tried to defend her mother, but the situation was hopeless. “Run, and save yourself Vasumati!' shouted the Queen. Vasumati did not want to leave her
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