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DISCOURSE 16
and spiritual endeavours. After destroying all his Karmas, he attained Parampad or the state of Supreme bliss.
KING CHANDRAYASH CAPTURES THE ELEPHANT OF THE KING OF MITHILA
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In Sudarshanpur, after King Manirath died of a snake-bite, the ministers celebrated the coronation of Chandrayash as King of the country. Chandrayash was carrying out the administration of the country ably, with the help and guidance of his ministers.
One day, the chief elephant of Namiraja, the King of Mithila; uprooting the pillar to which it was tied; broke loose from the stable and ran away. It began running towards the Vindhya forests. When that white elephant was rambling about in the territory of Sudarshanpur, the people of the area saw it. It was a magnificent elephant with four splendid tusks. On seeing it, the people went to the palace and informed Chandrayash of what they had seen. At once, Chandrayash went and captured the elephant with great skill and brought it to the city. He tied it to a pillar in his stable meant for elephants.
The news reached Namiraj that his elephant had been caught by Chandrayash the King of Sudarshanpur. At once, he sent his messengers to Chandrayash. They approached Chandrayash and said, "Oh King, the white elephant which you have caught belongs to Namiraj, the King of Mithila. Kindly permit us to take it back to our country." Chandrayash replied, "The earth belongs to the heroic conqueror. This kind of elephant cannot be found anywhere. I caught it in a forest and brought it home. I will not give it back to you."
THE TWO BROTHERS FACE TO FACE IN A BATTLE
The messengers returned to Mithila; and informed Namiraj of what Chandrayash had said. Nami became greatly furious and agitated. At once, he decided to make a war against Chandrayash. At his command, the bugles were sounded; and with his large army, Namiraj marched towards Sudarshanpur. Chandrayash also had made a full preparation for the war
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