Book Title: Way of Life Part 2
Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

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Page 316
________________ 304 THE WAY OF LIFE THE FIRST DUTY WAS TO SAFEGUARD THE HAREM Chandrarashmi gave priority to the duty of safeguarding the harem. He said to the commander of the army. "Go and stand at the gate of the city and do not allow that Sugriva to enter the city. I will go and stand at the harem and I will not allow any Sugriva to enter the harem". He said to the ministers. "You kindly think of a way of finding out the genuine Sugriva". Look at Chandrarashmi's ability and presence of mind. He found out that safeguarding the harem was the most important duty. He decided to carry out that duty himself. He did not entrust that duty to anyone else. Chandrarashmi was the greatest soldier on Vanaradweep and he was an invincible hero. He was the son of the mighty hero, Vali. Sugriva had made Chandrarashmi, his brother's son (nephew) the heir-designate to the throne of Kishkinda. He, at once, armed himself, adequately and went to the door of the harem and alerted the guards there. The soldiers surrounded the harem and began to guard it vigilantly. The counterfeit Sugriva was greatly agitated on seeing all this. Meanwhile, Queen Tara came to the door of the harem and there she saw Chandrarashmi fully armed. She was taken aback. She said, "Chandra ! son ! How is it you are here carrying arms ?" Chandrarashmi explained the situation to her and said, “You go and take shelter in the secret-vault, in the harem. I will be here. You need not have any anxiety". Queen Tara feeling perturbed and shocked, went into the secret vault in the harem. The counterfeit Sugriva tried to enter the harem. Chandrarashmi stopped him. He said, "I am the genuine Sugriva. I have the authority to go into the harem”. Chandrarashmi said to him, "Until the truth is discovered, and until we discover whether you are the genuine Sugriva or the one at the gate of the city, please wait patiently". The counterfeit Sugriva began to fight against Chandrarashmi and Chandrarashmi drove him away from there. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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