SIDDHARTH GAUTAM
MARRIAGE
WITH YASHODHARA
1. There was a Shakya called Dandapani. He had a daughter named Yashodhara. She was famous for her beauty and character.
2. Yashodhara had made her debut in the sixteenth year and Dandapani was worried about her marriage.
3. As was the custom at the time, Dandapani invited young people from all the neighboring countries to participate in his daughter's swayamvara.
4. An invitation was also sent to Siddhartha Gautama.
5. Siddhartha Gautama too had completed sixteen years. His parents were similarly concerned about his marriage.
6. They told him to go to Swayamvara and take water for Yashodhara. He obeyed the wishes of his parents.
7. Out of all the youths gathered, Yashodhara climbed Siddhartha Gautama.
8. Dandapani was not particularly pleased. He was skeptical of the success of this marriage.
9. He thought, 'Siddhartha has a special craze for the company of saints. He likes to be solitary. How can he be a successful householder?
10. Determined not to marry anyone but Siddhartha, Yashodhara asked his father, "What is the crime of living in the company of saints and ascetics?" Yashodhara did not feel that way at all.
11. Recognizing her daughter's decision not to marry anyone other than Siddhartha Gautama, Yashodhara's mother asked Dandapani to consent to the marriage. Dandapani agreed.
12. This disappointed Gautama's rivals, but they felt insulted.
13. They felt that Yashodhara should have taken some tests in order to get the same justice in their case, but she did not do so.
14. At that point, he was fine. He thought that Dandapani would not allow Yashodhara to choose Siddhartha Gautama and so his goal would be achieved.
15. But when Dandapani failed in this matter, he patiently demanded that a test be shown to show the skill of archery.Dandapani had to accept their demand.
16. Initially, Siddharth was not ready for this. His charioteer Channan pointed out to him how his father, his clan and most of all Yashodhara would be humiliated if he refused.
17. His words had a profound effect on Siddhartha's mind and he agreed to take part in the competition.
18. The competition began. Each contestant showed off their skills as soon as their turn came.
19. Gautama's turn came at the end of it all; But his perfect mark The bet turned out to be the best.
20. The wedding ceremony followed. Both Shuddhodan and Dandapani were happy. Similarly, Yashodhara and Mahaprajapati were also overjoyed.
21. After many years of marriage, Yashodhara had a son. His name was changed to Rahul.
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