________________
22
MEGHAKUMAR
n ancient times King Shrenik ruled in Rajagrihi. He
I The Prince was very
clever and a good politician.
King Shrenik had a wife called Dharini. She was chaste and faithful to her husband. One day, the Queen was fortunate to give birth to a son. Being born in the monsoon, he was named Meghakumar.
In course of time, the Prince was imparted good education and skills in arts. As he grew up he was married to eight beautiful and worthy girls.
One day Lord Mahavir visited Rajagrihi where King Shrenik ruled. Prince Meghakumar also went to hear the discourse of the Lord. He was impressed by the words of the preceptor, and, therefore, he asked his parents to allow him to become a monk. Though they were unwilling, they allowed the Prince to accept monkhood. Lord Mahavir duly initiated him.
The Prince then began to pass his days with other fellow-monks. At night he had to sleep on a mat spread by the door of the monastery. During the night some monks
74
