________________
DISCOURSE 12
217 soon." Pathamini said, “Now, you will become the Queen-consort and you will get boundless joys, but you should not forget at anytime the Paramatma and the Navakar Mantra".
The Queen said, "Pathamini, how can I forget them? The Navakar mantra has become a part and parcel of my breath. I have the highest veneration and love for the Paramatma Parshawanath. I will get a gold idol of the Lord made and I will worship him every day. I will never eat meat and I will never take food in the nights. Shall I mention one more point? I will never forget your kindness and help.” The Queen's eyes welled up with tears. She embraced Pathamini. Pathamini's eyes also welled up with tears. It is natural that the virtuous people should love the virtuous. The Queen had the supreme quality of gratitude. She had seen many great virtues in Pathamini. How can she forget Pathamini's benefactions ?
Pathamini said, "Oh Queen! How good you are! How exalted are your ideas and aspirations! It does not matter, if you forget me but you should never forget Jin Dharma. Let it remain firm in your heart. Remember, I did not save you from your disaster. It is Dharma that has saved you from your peril". How humble and noble Pathamini was! She was totally devoid of pride and egoism. She was a celibate woman. Moreover, she was a shravika, whose personality was resplendent with many great virtues. She established Dharamatatva in the heart of Lilavati.
A HAPPY REUNION
Seven days soon passed. On the seventh day, the Chief Minister went to the King and conveyed to him the happy news about Lilavati. He said, "Lilavati has been traced and now she is in my bungalow. If you permit me to do so, I will bring her here". The King said, “I will myself come to your bungalow". The Chief Minister was delighted. The King went to the bungalow of Pethad Shah. Pathamini received him with great honour and hospitality and led him to Lilavati. On seeing Lilavati; the king was overwhelmed with delight. He presented to the Queen not only many precious garments and jewels but
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org