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10
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
A number of kings had arrived to participate in the birth celebration of Kumar Vardhman King Jitashatru of Kalinga was one of them He was simply bewitched by the graceful looks of the infant He felt an irresistible urge to establish a matrimonial liaison with this family Shortly afterwards he begot a daughter They named her Yashoda As the princess grew up, so did this inner urge of the king
The queen of Jitshatru was called Yashodaya She advised her husband-The girl is now mature enough to be wedded. What course do you suggest for us?'
What else can be done in the situation? We have to find out a match for her Do you have some eligible bachelor in mind?'
'You are more competent to make a decision in like matters. How can I offer suggestions to you?'
'I hold, a mother has a better claim over a daughter You should exercise your choice in the matter."
'Shall I, then, let you know my mind regarding her?'
'Please do let me know your views'
'Kumar Vardhman is an exceptionally intelligent and brilliant youth I find him immensely suited to Yashoda."
'Identical is my feeling It is not a recent fancy of mine For ages I have been craving for this happy event I infer from this consensus that we are not only externally united but internally as well'
Jitshatru sent his messenger with the auspicious proposal. Siddhartha and Trishala naturally favoured the move They mentioned it to Kumar He however, would not agree to it Right from his childhood he had been indifferent to all things mundane He had dreamt of carving a celibate's career for himself.
The royal parents doggedly pressed the son to budge from his stern stand The latter had a profound regard for his parents Nor would the parents let the son be out of their sight
1
Swetambara tradition records that Vardhman conceded to the parental command while Digambara tradition holds otherwise.
| SR No. | 011093 |
| Book Title | Shraman Mahavira |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Dineshchandra Sharma |
| Publisher | Mitra Parishad Calcutta |
| Publication Year | 1976 |
| Total Pages | 351 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 13 MB |