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BANKACHULA
151
Just then he had come near the palace Said he to himself,
“This is the right place to steal If I am successful, I shall be rich overnight ; and if I am caught, still people will know my name So there's gain eitherway”
He scaled the wall and dropped inside He was now inside the palace. Man expects something, but Destiny has something else in store for him. As Bankachula stepped inside the palace, whom did he meet but the first queen herself The queen was cbarmed at his physical grace Almost welcoming him, she said,
“Well, who are you? Wherefrom do you come ? What's the purpose of your coming at this bour ? But don't be scared ? Speak out wbatever you have in your mind Here we are alone, and you are in a safe company"
Baokachula's voice almost failed him He was severely shaking With difficulty, he said,
"Mother! I am a thief and I have come to steal”
"Well ! There's plenty of wealth here You may pick up anything you like to. But don't be in a hurry to go out You should know that I am the first queen I am attracted by your physical grace and manliness I invite you and welcome you to my chamber Let us enjoy each other's company Take it from me that this evening, I declined the company of the king himself But I am covetous of your company Remember that if I am pleased with you, you will have plenty of wealth and plenty of happiness, but if I am displeased, then you will not only be under arrest, but will also be deprived of your life Now, you make your choice as you please'
Bapkachula thought of his third vow and said,
“Mother ! You are the first queen, and so you are venerable to me I live in the forest. I am a thief by profession. It does not befit your dignity to be attracted towards me"
The queen interrupted, "Fool ! Why do you address me as 'mother'? Don't
| SR No. | 011054 |
| Book Title | Jain Stories 03 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani |
| Publisher | A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj |
| Publication Year | 1978 |
| Total Pages | 175 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 7 MB |