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towards Almighty Arihantas. He thought, “This is a great
opportunity to fill the Lord’s treasury. Then why should I
miss this chance and wear the Sangha-Mala* for free ? And
imagine till how much did the bidding go ? 1 crore and 25
lakhs ! He was delighted with this event. He himself spent
lakhs of rupees and led a historic Sangha towards Siddhagiri
and generously let someone else wear the Sangha-Mala. Infact
he was overwhelmed to do so. Why ? His affection towards
Lord Mahavira enabled him to sacrifice his rights and inspired
him to fill Lord’s treasury. On adding such a grand amount,
why not rejoice ? That love which is ready to sacrifice is
the real love.

Q. Won’t people start discussing that “What a fool king
Kumarpala is ! He himself organized and funded the entire
sangha and let someone else wear the Sangha-Mala ?”

A. No, because they must have realized that wearing the
Mala himself is an indicator of ego and attachment
towards oneself and one’s own status and dignity. On the
other hand, letting someone else bid for it displays the
attachment towards Almighty Arihantas. Thus his fondness
for Lord exceeds his fondness for his own self interests.

King Kumarpal’s devotion towards God and Guru came
along from his previous birth :

It is a natural curiosity that how did King Kumarpala develop
so much affection towards God-Guru-Sangha and Sadharmika.
But the answer is that he had created such a strong devotion
right from his previous birth. During the past birth, his mentor
had taught him, “God and Guru’s devotion should be done by

* Sangha Mala – As an indication honor, the donor who has funded the
entire sangha is felicitated with a garland.
* Kodi – A measure unit probably close to the present paisa
13. Rama’s Regret and Power of Destiny 71