Acharya Shikhi left for Koshambi along with hundred other monks. Along with them were five knowledgeable monks named Samveg, Nirvan, Muktiratna, Mahapragya and Tattvagya. Acharya Vijaysinh halted at Priyankara City.
Shikhi stopped at Meghvan Park in Koshambi.
The caretaker of the park informed King Ajitsen, “Your Majesty, Acharya Shikhi along with hundred monks have come to Meghvan today morning. He is radiant like the moon in the middle of stars.”
King Ajitsen gave the caretaker some gifts out of happiness.
He ordered the attendant standing next to him, “Announce in the entire city that Brahmadutt’s son and the gem of Koshambi, Acharya Shikhi has come to Meghvan Park. Everyone shall go to greet him, listen to his preachings and make our lives blessed.”
The announcement was made in the city. Everyone was extremely happy. Waves of joy flooded the entire city. Everyone left all their work, got ready and left for Meghvan Park in their respective vehicles. Some people even walked upto the park. King Ajitsen and his wife, Vasantsen headed towards Meghvan Park on his elephant. They were accompanied by royal men and guests. The leading merchants of the city were also with them.
Within a few hours, the huge park was filled with thousands of people. It seemed like the festival of spring. Everyone worshipped Acharya Shikhi with devotion. King Ajitsen and his family bowed down and asked about his wellness. Shikhi preached the people present there.
• Sound as intense as the clouds roaring during monsoon,
• Voice as sweet as honey, sugar and raisins,
• Simple language that everyone from kids to old people could understand.
All the listeners got delighted. They were attracted and got inclined towards spirituality. The discourse got over. Gradually, everyone dispersed. Well wishers and close friends of Brahmadutt stayed back. They sat around Shikhi and one after the other, discussed the good qualities of Brahmadutt. They remembered his favours on them and praised his intelligence. Everyone got emotional and their eyes became moist.
Nagarshreshthi said, “You have come here at the right time. People will find comfort under your presence. They are extremely upset, restless, and anxious. They will get encouragement and relief. Your sweet words will give their disturbed hearts some peace. Their anxiety will go away. You will be able to make their life spiritual by showing them the right path.”
Shikhi said, “Yes! Gurudev has sent me here with this purpose only. I will be able to pay back my mother’s favours atleast slightly. I intend to go to meet my mother tomorrow!”
***
Shikhi went to Brahmadutt’s palace along with one other monk. They entered the palace. Shikhi’s heart felt heavy looking at the lonely and emotionless environment there. It seemed as if nobody stayed there since ages. He passed through the sections of the palace and went ahead. Just then, he saw an attendant standing with a jar of water. She had never seen Shikhi as she had been working in the palace since a few years only.
She greeted him and said, “Who are you? Why have you come here? Don’t you know that no one can come here without Jalini Devi’s permission?”
“We have come here only after getting Jalini’s invite. Will you please take us to her?”
“Invitation? She might have called you long back. After the death of Minister Brahmadutt, Jalini doesn’t meet any man.”
“My name is Shikhi. Go tell Jalini that Shikhi has come to meet you.”
“Oh! Shikhi? Are you Shikhi?” the attendant got surprised, greeted him again and ran towards Jalini’s room.
She came back quickly. Shikhi walked behind her and went to Jalini’s room.
