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DISCOURSE 12
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ran to the bungalow of the Chief Minister. Pathamini saw Chatura, who was running towards the bungalow. She was eager to know why she was thus coming. But Chatura soon after reaching the bungalow said to Pathamini, "Dear lady, an excellent opportunity has arisen by means of which the Mahamantri's innocence can be established. Even Queen Lilavati's innocence can be established. The king's chief elephant has fallen down unconscious on account of the influence of an evil spirit which has possessed it. The king is making loud lamentations. All the great magicians and occultists of the city moved heaven and earth to make the elephant recover its consciousness, but they have failed. Summoning courage, I told the king that if the holy mantle of the Chief Minister which possesses an extraordinary efficacy was wrapped to the elephant, surely it would be free from the terrible calamity that had overtaken it. I said to the king, "If you permit me I will fetch that holy mantle". The king gave his silent consent. So, I have come running here. Kindly give me that holy garment that the Chief Minister wears when he worships the Paramatma. I am absolutely confident that the garment will free the elephant from the possession of the evil spirit. The king will realise his mistake also. He will respect the Chief Minister as before. His suspicion regarding the Queen also will be dispelled. Please do not delay. Give me the garment, at once". Chatura had a strong and genuine desire to prove that the Chief Minister and the Queen were innocent and pure. With respect to these two persons, she had not only amity but also unflinching reverence. When noble people are caught in some calamities, those who love and admire them experience a deep sorrow, and they become engrossed in their endeavour to save them from those calamities. Chatura was waiting for an opportunity of this kind. She was thinking, "When can an opportunity arise by means of which the stain on the names of the Queen and the Chief Minister may be cleared? Today, such an opportunity has arisen".
Pathamini also liked Chatura's plan. She gave her husband's holy mantle to Chatura. She ran off carrying the garment in her hands. Pathamini went to the underground vault to meet Lilavati. Lilavati had just then completed her Japa of the
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