Book Title: Emperor Vikramaditya Diwakar Chitrakatha 050 051 052
Author(s): Jinottamsuri, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006650/1

JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY
Page #1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA Emperor se Wiklamaditya Vol. 50-51-52 Rs. 75.00 TRILOK SHOP Main Education International Page #2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Other than Shri Rama and Shri Krishna, the only one whom sovereign Indian history remembers as a founder and propagator of policy of justice and public welfare all over India is Emperor Vikramaditya. The popular Indian calendar is named after Emperor Vikram. The current year being Vikram Samvat 2058 confirms the antiquity of Vikramaditya. Historians believe that the Vikram calendar started sometime around 56-57 BC. This was the most glorious and peaceful period of Emperor Vikramaditya's reign. He honoured scholars and was a scholar himself. He revered and respected all religions and their leaders. Acharya Siddhasen Divakar was a contemporary of Emperor Vikramaditya. He finds a place in Jain history as an epoch maker scholar and author. He wrote many important books that rank highest in the fields of logic and philosophy. Acharya Siddhasen was a supporter of the radical and revolutionary thinking in Jainism. With his intellect and knowledge he amply promoted the Jain order. Influenced by his scholarship and strength of austerities, Emperor Vikramaditya became an ardent supporter of Jainism. We are indebted to Vidvadratna Pravachan Prabhavak Acharya Shri Jinottam Surishvarji M. Sa, the successor of Pratishtha Shiromani Vidvad Varenya Acharya Shri Sushil Surishvarji M. Sa, who has kindly written this picture-story for us. Editor: Srichand Surana 'Saras' Written by: Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Jinottam Surishvarji M. S. Managing Editors: Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana PUBLISHERS -Srichand Surana 'Saras Translator: MAHAVEER SEVA TRUST A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, 1ST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097. PH. (O) 28811397 Surendra Bothara SHREE DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. PH. (0562) 2151165, 2525020. E-mail: sansuman21 @rediffmail.com Page #3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR King Gandharvasen of Avanti had two sons-Bhartrihari and Vikramaditya. After the death of their father, Bhartrihari became the king VIKRAMADITYA and Vikramaditva the crown prince. Bhartrihari was a learned and just king. He loved his younger brother very much and appreciated his intellect, justness and other virtues. IoioIOIOIOIOTI DOGC EY TOVAC IMITE A SOOS One day Queen Anangasena, Bhartrihari's wife, insulted prince Vikramaditya. Hurt by this Vikram left home without telling anyone. RO When Bhartrihari came to know of this, he instructed his soldiers V Annoyed by a minor incident, my beloved younger brother has left the kingdom. Find him, pacify him and bring him back SONRY I will leave this kingdom and go faraway. As you say, Sire ! rin spite of all their efforts the soldiers could not find Vikramaditya. Page #4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA One day while a gloomy Bhartrihari was sitting in Blessing the king, the Brahmin offered a fruit to the kinghis court, the guard came and informed O provider of the Respected Brahmin ! Sire! A Bring the people! I want to gift From where Brahmin this divine fruit to you. He poor Brahmin respect who eats this fruit will miraculous wants to see fully. always remain young fruit? you. and healthy. $ Sire ! I had worshipped a goddess. She was pleased with me and blessed me with this fruit of immortality. Why don't you eat it yourself? Sire ! I suffer the misery of poverty. Why extend this miserable life ? Everyone will be benefitted if a benevolent king like you lives long. Please accept this fruit of immortality and oblige. | The king accepted the fruit and gave the Brahmin enough wealth to remove his poverty. May Respected Brahmin ! the king be Please accept these gifts. victorious ! LIIT 2 Page #5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA In the evening, on way to the palace Bhartrihari thought- On arriving in the palace Bhartrihari told the queen Why eat this fruit of immortality myself. It would be good if Darling! I want to see the flower of your youth always in bloom. May you remain untouched by old age and death. I give it to my beloved queen. The king took out the fruit concealed in his scarf and gave it to the queen The queen said happilyGreat, my lord! How deep is your love for me. I will eat it in the morning after my bath, etc. and 3 My lord! Why wish the impossible? Whose youth and life is eternal ? Darling! This is the fruit of immortality. If you eat it you will never loose your beauty and youth. Here, eat it. Next morning when the queen was about to eat the fruit, she checked herself (ala alaio) How pleased my beloved city-commandant will be when I give this fruit to him? MAN 8666 PG00 amelibrary.org Page #6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ In the afternoon the city-commandant came. The queen gave him the divine fruit and said ANTIM Darling! Here, eat this fruit of immortality and you will always remain young. During the night the city-commandant went to his girl-friend and said Darling! See, I have brought the fruit of immortality for you. If you eat it you will always be young and beautiful. Education International (i EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Verd Next day the woman came to the court. After greeting the king she said O benefactor of masses! Your long life will benefit millions of people. Therefore, I want to gift this fruit of immortality to you. 4 The city-commandant took the fruit home. What if I remain young and my beloved turns old...? Why not let my beloved eat this fruit? Next morning when she was about eat the fruit, the woman thought What? How did she get this fruit? This hateful profession is my fate. Why live longer and continue this profession? If a benevolent person like King Bhartrihari eats it, millions of people will be benefitted. I will gift it to the king. Page #7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The king looked wide-eyed at the fruit. The woman was alarmed. Sire Have I done The woman some thing wrong? The king sent the woman back after amply rewarding her. He went to the palace garden and sat down thinking under a tree How strange is this world. No one truly loves anyone. All that is there is deception and illusion. Lord of the land! Please pardon me! The city-commandant loves me very much. He gave me this fruit. ANIM Ah The king composed himself No, nothing that matters. Tell me how you got this fruit? Did some deity give it to you? The king understood everything. The whole scene appeared in his vision, The king looked at the palace and thought The queen dearer to me than my life loves another person. The person she has fallen for loves someone else. I was blinded by love and affection for so. long, today the queen has opened my eyes. 5 000 Page #8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ With the fruit Bhartrihari came to the palace and asked the queen Queen! What did you do with the fruit I gave you? Sire! Please don't abandon us. Kindly don't leave us helpless and without, a master. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA n My lord! I ate it the next morning. dang The king showed the fruit to the queen and she started trembling. She was wet with sweat and felt dizzy. King Bhartrihari took off his royal dress. He came down the stairs of the palace. The queen watched like a statue. The ministers and other people tried to stop their kingIn this world no one and every one is without a master. Each one's master exists within himself. I am going away just to find him. Please take good care of the kingdom. AMW 0000 6 Queen! Don't be afraid. I will not shout at you. And the king threw the fruit out of the window into the garden, This fruit increases the life of the body alone. I have found the path of immortality of the soul. Now I renounce everything and go to the jungle./ QUUS By giving the fruit of immortality King Bhartrihari got the real fruit of immortality. Now he became Yogi Bhartrihari and started his meditation and austerities in caves in jungle. The knowledge and experience Yogi Bhartrihari gained continues to guide the world through his renowned works Vairagya Shatak and Niti Shatak. Page #9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ On the other hand, after leaving Avanti, prince Vikramaditya thought EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Moving around he arrived at a community platform in a village. Numerous villagers were sitting there talking. Amongst them was also sitting a pundit. Vikram listened. I have to travel around and conceal my identity to avoid recognition. I should move about in the disguise of an Avadhoot Yogi. Brother ! In my Bhartrihari w opinion the true is the elder heir of Avanti is brother. As Vikram. He has all long as he is the virtues of a 4 present, how can Vikram Wertsso be the king ? UBN And he disguised himself as an Avadhoot Yogi. Vikram looked at that Brahmin and shouted In state-craft seniority does not depend on age but on brilliance. Vikram's brilliance is unparalleled This person with an appearance of a villager seems to be very clever. Alakh Niranjan! OP Hey! This appears to be some great sage. # The chant of Avadhoot mendicants which means 'invisible unblemished' or God. Page #10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA They all got up and paid homage to the Avadhoot, who then asked the pundit You appear to be a pundit. What is 17 My name is your name ? Matribhatt. A villager informed about Matribhatt mo E Indeed, his face reveals all this. Yogiji ! This is a great pundit. He knows astrology, ethics, religion and what not. mas Matribhatt also looked at the Avadhoot keenly Matribhatt! What do you observe thus? Nothing. I observe an invaluable gem covered with ash. For the first time I see such handsome, brilliant and strong yogi. He appears to be some great man disguised as an Avadhoot. 36 Page #11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Avadhoot's eyes sparkled with amusement. Matribhatt also laughed. The two silently recognized each other. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA On their way they came across a hill. Matribhatt said Friend! Look here, this is Rohan hill. There is a fissure here. If some one utters 'Oh! God!' three times and throws a stone in it, the king of hills throws back a gem. BULVAD When the Avadhoot resumed his journey, Matribhatt also went along. After exchange of views they both became fast friends. When the Avadhoot revealed his true identity, Matribhatt embraced him He added We are in dire need of money. Pick this stone up and throw in. 9 Friend! Your auspicious signs inform that one day you will grace the throne of Avanti. Friend! To seek charity is a beggars job. I cannot do such a shameful act. library.org Page #12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Vikram ! We are in trouble. We urgently need money EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA With these words Vikram lifted a large stone and threw Wealth itself seeks it hard at the hill. But nothing came out of it. Just then brave and hard Matribhatt uttered a fake cryworking individuals. I will get wealth by pounding the hill. Oh God! Oh God! Oh God! Vikram rushed to Matribhatt The moment he got the news of his mother's death, Vikram touched his head and uttered in grief Oh God! What has happened? What is the matter Matribhatt? Why do you cry? Friend! This villager informs that your mother, Queen Shrimati, has expired. 10 Page #13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Beating his forehead Vikram uttered EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Matribhatt saw that Vikram was genuinely crying for his mother's death. He placed his hand on Vikram's shoulder and said Friend! There is nothing in this world that I loved more than my mother. Now that she has gone, how would I live...? Friend! Compose yourself. Don't cry. Your mother is hale and hearty. Look there. 70 A gem was lying before Vikram. Vikram picked up the gem and threw it away. He bunched his biceps and said Vikram understood everything, Oh ! yes. This was your trick to make me utter 'Oh God!' and get the gem from the hill. Friend! These arms have the power to bring the wealth of heavens on the earth. Friend! You are, indeed, very brave. One day you are sure to ascend to the throne of Avanti. callon interational For Private & Personal use only. Page #14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ If I become the king I will make you, a clever and intelligent person, a minister. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Friend! When people get wealth they forget their poor friends. Even Vasudev Shrikrishna forgot Sudama. Friend! Only time will tell that. Let's move, we have to go far. And the two friends resumed their journey. One night while they were resting under a tree they heard the howl of a she-jackal. Alarmed Matribhatt stood up and listened carefully. hob Vikram asked Friend! What happened? Don't you hear Hey! So you the faraway howl of al understand she-jackal ? Unlimited the language wealth is drifting in of animals our direction. Yes. The she-jackal tells that in the nearby river Tapti a corpse of a woman is drifting towards us. It has very costly ornaments on the body. Some lucky man may take the corpse out from the river and get all the wealth. too. 12 Page #15 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The jackal howled again He added noo Friend ! Come, let's get that wealth. It will be very useful to us. No! To snatch ornaments from a corpse is the work of a Chandal." I am a Kshatriya (martial clan), I cannot do this work. Wait! The she-jackal is again telling something Matribhatt carefully listened. What she says now? The brave person standing here will become the king of Avanti within a month Friend ! I can't say what turn the wheel of future will take. But the prediction of a she-jackal cannot be false. Friend! You are very superstitious. I believe in my endeavour alone. This is impossible. My respected elder brother Bhartrihari holds the reign of the kingdom. How can I be the king while he is there? # Low caste people; keeper of a cremation ground. es Personal Use Only Page #16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA In the morning they entered a town and stayed in a boarding house. Many travellers came to pay homage when they saw an Avadhoot Yogi. Some people from Avanti informed Avanti is in a very bad state these days. Why do you say that ? King Bhartrihari rules there. The news alarmed the Avadhoot; he asked Why such inauspicious statement that King Bhartrihari....? No ! There is no king in Avanti at present. Avanti is without a ruler. King Bhartrihari has renounced the world and retired into the jungle for meditation. And his younger brother Vikram ? Prince Vikramaditya has also left. Nobody knows where he has gone. Now the throne of Avanti will always remain unoccupied 14 Page #17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Agni Vetaal (ghost) has occupied the empty throne. During the night the ghost kills every new person ascending to the throne. Why so ? On hearing the news from Avanti the Avadhoot looked at Matribhatt. Shadows of anxiety appeared on their faces. Hone (IDs They left the place and came out of the town. Vikram said Matribhatt! Your prediction appears to be coming true. The news of the wretched state of Avanti deeply hurts me. I w mucows . VOYAMA Friend! It is your fate calling. Now you should go to Avanti. I will not go alone. You must come along No ! You should go alone now. I will come at a proper time. And, yes, don't forget me when you lom become the king. 2 25 KUD Embracing Matribhatt the Avadhoot bid farewell and left for Avanti. 15 For Private & Fersonal Use Only Page #18 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The Avadhoot Yogi camped outside Avanti on the banks One day a messenger informed the chief of river Kshipra. Whoever came there and saw the yogi. minister Buddhisagarpaid him homage and listened to his discourse. Soon Sire ! A Yogi has camped large crowds started gathering at the discourse of the on the banks of Kshipra yogi and spent some time with him river. He is very brilliant. Respected saint, His voice speaks wisdom, your speech Brother, it is He is very great. enlightened me. our duty to guide Is it so ? Then people. I also must go to pay my respect. The minister went alone to see the Yogi. Vikram The Avadho said againrecognized him. Without asking he spoke Minister ! You appear to DYO What! The yogi y be haunted by some serious Come (knows my name ? problems of the state ? Some minister Then, with his Buddhisagar ghost has occupied yogic powers he the throne of Avanti. must also be aware of my Isn't it true ? worries? Great yogi ! Your wisdom is great. You know everything cu 16 Jan Education Intemational Page #19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Still tell W me what goes on in your mind EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA th You are wise and know everything. King Bhartrihari has renounced the kingdom. Prince Vikramaditya has run away. Did you search for Vikram ? We have carefully searched every part of the land but couldn't find the prince. Did you try to crown some other Kshatriya born ? We crowned Shripati, a Kshatriya-born from this very family. The ceremonies went throughout the day. In the night he went into the palace to sleep. In the morning on opening the doors of his room he was found dead. Who killed him? Didn't you try to crown some other person ? NANN A ghost named Agni Vetaal has occupied the vacant throne. He visits the palace during the night. He creates disturbance and does not allow anyone to sit on the throne. 1909) 200000 ooooooo 17 For Private & Personal use only Page #20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA We did that. But he also had the same fate. Whoever sits on the throne of Avanti enjoys the celebrations all day, but at night the evil Vetaal kills the king. No one can conquer him. O great yogi ! Everyone is scared of death. No one is ready to wear this crown of thorns. O king of yogis ! Whole Malav state is terrified. Please provide some solution. Put some brave and courageous Kshatriya on the throne. Alright, come to me tomorrow. Next day the chief minister came to the yogi who was sitting in meditation. After some time he opened his eyes. Minister! Generally an Avadhoot has no interest in a kingdom. However, out of my feelings of welfare and protection of the people, I can control that evil ghost if the council of ministers of Avanti requests me. Mesh The minister was happy to hear these words. He bowed his head at the feet of the yogi and said politely Lofty is your feeling of public welfare. Please save Avanti. I will go and bring the council of ministers to you. 18 Page #21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Next day minister Buddhisagar came to the yogi along with the council of ministers. All the ministers requested the yogi to save Avanti. The yogi said I have two conditions 1. I will occupy the throne dressed as a yogi. 2. The day Vikramaditya is found I will hand over the kingdom to him and go. F Jain Ecalion International EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA yoi~04 We agree. During the day Avadhoot Yogi attended the court, listened to the problems of the people, discussed with ministers and administered justice. In the evening he returned to his hut to sleep. One day the ministers jointly requested Alright, as you wish. Yogiraj! It doesn't look nice that the ruler of Avanti sleeps alone in a hut. Please live in the palace. Next day the coronation ceremony was organized. Avadhoot Yogi was seated on the throne. People started talking In the evening the yogi returned to his hut on the river bank and slept. DRSICA See the irony of fate. One king has abandoned the state and become a yogi. And another yogi is becoming a king. Next evening the king gave instructions I will stay in the palace. For a yogi palace and hut are same. E 19 As you say, Sire! Arrange to decorate the main road from my bedroom right up to the city gate The instructions were followed at once. Perfumed water was sprinkled all over the road. Flowers were spread. Incense sticks were burnt. Trays filled with sweets, fruits and dry fruits were placed all along the road. Page #22 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The palace was decorated like the Diwali night. At night the Avadhoot Yogi went alone in the bedroom to sleep. 000000000 L MATE At midnight there was a loud whoop and everyone was terrified. Then a cloud of smoke covered the palace. ww All around the palace guards with alert swords were on watch. Whooping and hissing Agni Vetaal ghost entered the palace and crashed straight into the king's bedroom. M ROOOS 20 Ha! Ha! After many days I will be able to quench my thirst with human blood. Page #23 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The Avadhoot king was waiting for the ghost. He At this the Avadhoot also drew his sword. got up and said= If that is what you No! I will be want beware. Get O king of ghosts! satisfied only ready to bear the So much offerings of by accepting thrust of my sword. food ware placed outside you as an the palace to satisfy your offering. hunger. Have you not had your fill? 0000 Vetaal and Avadhoot had a long and fierce duel Vetaal got flustered with Avadhoot's thrusts. Soon he said, with swords. Slowly Vetaal got tired (I have faced such Stop, friend! You are o brave and courageous indeed very brave. person for the first I was, in fact, time. There is a chance that he testing you. may kill me. Alright, if you want friendship I extend my hand. Here rascal! Face this! 21 Page #24 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Vetaal informed him Now I, Agni Vetaal ghost, am the protector of Avanti state. Work for the welfare of the people without any worries. Just continue your daily offerings of food. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA 70 Vetaal and Avadhoot talked all night. Be quick. It will be night soon and Vetaal is about to come. Now every evening perfumes, flowers, dry-fruits and sweets were placed on the road from the city gate to the palace to welcome the ghost. Yes, brother! We must place In the morning the Avadhoot got up and came out. People were surprised to see him alive. They showered praise on him. This Avadhoot Jian Yogi has miraculous powers. He is very brave. everything in order. Otherwise he will get angry. Vetaal came everyday and returned contented after eating Lall the food. 22 Indeed, that is why a ghost like Vetaal failed to harm him. Victory be to the Avadhoot king! One day the Avadhoot asked Vetaal Friend! Please tell me my life-span. It is exactly one hundred years. Page #25 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Vetaal wrote. Vikram saw it and said Friend ! Two zeros with one doesn't look nice. Either make it 99 or 101. Write and show me. Vetaal laughed loud Ha! Ha! O king ! That is impossible. What to say of me when even Indra" does not have the power to alter the life-span even by one second. Is it so ? Then how did you kill so many kings ? I did not kill anyone. The fact is that at my loud whoop they died of fear on their own. The Avadhoot and Vetaal came to the garden chatting. It does not matter. We two friends combined become like fifty two braves. Let's leave it at that. During the third quarter of the night Vetaal left and the Avadhoot returned to his bed. # The king of gods. 23 www.anal Page #26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Next day around midnight Vetaal came hissing in anger O rascal ! You have deceived me after a promise of friendship. Tricked a friend ? What trick ? I have done nothing. Today you have neither placed plates full of dry-fruits and sweets nor spread perfumes and flowers to welcome me ? Then get ready for a duel. I will at once send you to the other world. Q The hard earned wealth of the public is not to be wasted thus. Idiot ! When you can neither add nor subtract even one second from my life, where from would you get the power even to scratch me ? Here, take it ! At these words from Vikram, Vetaal understood Vikram's cunning. He said So ! That is why you asked me about your life-span yesterday. Friend! You are, indeed, very clever 24 Page #27 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Vetaal added Friend! Before your courage and smartness I accept my defeat. I would be pleased to have you as a friend. From this day we are friends as equals. Friend ! If you are pleased with me you should promise that this friendship will never break. Whenever I invoke you, you will at once come and do what I request. As you wish. Now I will take your leave. Whenever you call me, I will come. COCIOLU be With these words Vetaal disappeared. Vikramaditya, disguised as Avadhoot, devoted all his time to public welfare. The fame of his astonishing justness, morality, scholarship and courage spread far and wide. One day the chief minister requested to the Avadhoot kingO Yogiraj ! What you are doing for the people of Avanti is unmatched. Now we have one more wish. Brother! The Yes, brother ! Avadhoot king has / The king is very wiped all our tears. just. He loves Happiness has the people as reached every / his children. household What do you want now ? 25 Jain alion International Page #28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Yes! Yogiraj! Please do this much at least for the grace of the throne. Please discard this Avadhoot garb and accept a dress suitable for a king. 56 One day someone informed Matribhatt Next day the Avadhoot formally put on the crown after adorning himself in the royal dress and ornaments. The whole state celebrated the occasion. ORT Is it so? Then I must go to Avanti. 26 Alright! As you wish. greet the king of Avanti, friendly rulers came with gifts. Avanti is celebrating the coronation of an Avadhoot king. Page #29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Matribhatt came to Avantito greet the king. When he saw his friend coming, the Avadhoot king got up and embraced him. Vikramaditya introduced Matribhatt- A This is my friend and well-wisher. He is a scholar of politics, religion, astrology and many other subjects. He is a highlw accomplished wise man. Congrats, friend! Come Matribhatt, welcome. Se DC Matribhatt addressed the assembly No ! He is Vikramaditya, the son of king Gandharvasen and younger brother of Nking Bhartrihari. Courtiers and citizens ! Your king is famous as Avadhoot king. Do you know who he is? Avadhoot Yogi ! CAVA What? Vikramaditya That is why he is so brave. 27 Jatin Educd international Page #30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA In the assembly people started jumping and dancing with joy, Queen mother Shrimati also got the news CXCOXY Queen mother! The SNA Avadhoot king is none else but your son Vikram. Hail King Vikramaditya ! Take me to Vikram at once E LUCA The mother kissed the forehead of the son and said Queen mother rushed to the assembly Vikramaditya fell at his mother's feet. The mother embraced her son. Their eyes brimmed with tears of love. Vikram ! You have changed a lot and made me suffer much. No, mother! I am the same Vikram whom you carried in your arms and moved around. You fed me with your own hands. No matter where I lived, you were never far from my memory. age 28 Page #31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Then seeking his mother's blessing. Vikram After that Vikram recalled his promise and announcedsaid Minister Buddhisagar is the King Vikramaditya ! Mother! I will chief minister of this kingdom. look after this Live long life. But as he has grown old I am kingdom consi Minister appointing my young friend Matribhatt ! Live dering it to be the Matribhatt as the joint chief long life minister. He is my true boon of your companion, associate and blessings. advisor from my bad days. ROV Under the rule of chief minister Matribhatt and majestic King Vikramaditya the people of Avanti prospered and flourished. One day Matribhatt came to Vikramaditya with some dignitaries So, from a biped you want to turn me to a quadruped ! Sire ! Till date the throne of the queen remains unoccupied. If this throne is also filled, the joy of the people will have no bounds. OOG Hey ! What is the matter? What complaint you all have brought today? Sire ! It is a complaint as well as request. They broke into a laughter. E lon International Page #32 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Then Vikram asked Matribhatt Have you seen some able and virtuous match suitable for the throne of Avanti ? EMPEROR Yes, sire! Minister Buddhisagar and I have just returned seeing such a girl. Kamalavati, daughter Vikramaditya gave his consent. of king Vairi Singh of Lakshmipur, is a perfect match for you. See. RAMADIT May the king be victorious. I accept your decision. The king carefully saw the picture. Yes! From the picture the appears looks to be calm and serene and can be the queen of Avanti. At an auspicious moment the king was ceremoniously married to Kamalavati. After that many other kings made their relations intimate with King Vikramaditya by marrying their daughters to him. Kamalavati became the chief queen consort. 30 www.jainelibrary.cg Page #33 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA One day while enjoying an outing in a garden Memories of Vikramaditya thought of his elder brother king Bhartrihari. my elder brother He got lost in his memories. Bhartrihari haunt IND me. Where and how is he?! My lord! What am eager to is it? Why all of see him. a sudden you are sad? My lord! Why not ask your friend Vetaal ? He knows everything. RE The king invoked VetaalYes, sire ! What is your command? Agni vetaal closed his eyes for two minutes. Then said He is deeply involved in his rigorous austerities in a cave on a faraway mountain. Please sit on my shoulder, I will take you there. Alright, w enn let's go. 24 WWWW XO Where is my brother yogi Bhartrihari? I want to see him. OPO Taking Vikram on his shoulder Vetaal flew towards the cave. ucation International Page #34 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Soon Vetaal brought Vikramaditya to a dark cave and placed him before a meditating yogi. Seeing Vikram all of a sudden Bhartrihari asked Come Vikram! Brother ! I have come What brings to fetch you. The throne you here suddenly ? of Avanti awaits your How are arrival. Please give you? Avanti a ruler. The yogi smiled Vikram! There is no question of accepting again the pleasures that I have discarded like vomit. Even after Vikram's repeated requests Bhartrihari refused firmly Mundane pleasures appear worthless to one who has gained spiritual bliss. Dejected Vikram said Miverick Emin Please grace the land of Avanti at least with the touch of your feet. A yogi is ever wandering like a river and wind. If and when there is an opportunity I will see. - OS Vikram paid homage to Bhartrihari and returned. While wandering, one day yogi Bhartrihari came to Avanti. The people of Avanti paid their homage and attended his sermon. Vikramaditya requested him to stay in Avanti permanently. Yogi Bhartrihari said-'O king ! Like a river, the life of saints and yogis is ever devoted to the welfare of people.' The great yogi preached morality and religion to the king and his people before he returned to the jungle, 32 www.jainelibrary Page #35 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA When he became the king of Avanti, Vikramaditya first of all made plans for public welfare and development of art, literature and commerce. He kept no limits on expenditure to remove ignorance and poverty of the people. Soon Avanti became a prosperous state. The king welcomed the yogi One day while King Vikramaditya was in his court, a yogi entered. May the king of kings be victorious ! You are wel come, Yogiraj! Please accept my greetings aan Sire ! I have brought this gem-fruit for you. Ooooh 0000 qoooo LOGO The yogi left after presenting the fruit. WAT VAVAUD) The king asked minister Buddhisagar Who was this yogi? The yogi came everyday at a fixed time, presented a fruit and returned. One day when the yogi was offering the fruit, a monkey snatched it and ran away. Hey ! Grab it. How did it enter ? DONOS Sire! I don't know much about him. I have only heard that this yogi lives on the bank of river Kshipra and practices Tantra. 33 Jain Echelon International Page #36 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ When the monkey, perched on a wall and cut the fruit, a gem came out and fell before the king. Its glitter filled the court. O King! Fruit begets fruit. CHLODG 0000000000 122 EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Oh! It appears to be a gem. Is it an illusion? So, what fruit do you expect from me? Tell me how can I help you? O greatest, most courageous and best among men ! I want to perform a ritual practice to acquire a golden-man. There are obstacles of ghosts and demons in that practice. The yogi explained King of kings! This is, indeed, a gem. As the fruit contains this gem it is called gem-fruit. But Yogiraj ! Why do you give this fruit to me? 34 You are all powerful. You could help me accomplish my goal by becoming my assisting practiser. The yogi addedO king! When my mission is accomplished I will gift you the goldenman I acquire. Like Kuber, the god of wealth, you will be enormously wealthy. Page #37 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The king thought The yogi is, indeed, > amazing. If I get the golden-man I will be able to remove all problems of my people. The yogi said Sire ! On the fourteenth night of this dark half of the month, please put on a clean dress and stand outside the palace. My black horse will come on the gate and take you to the right spot. Beware, no one should accompany you otherwise the ritual could fail. Sire ! No one on this earth is as brave as you. With your help I will succeed in my mission. The king promised to help the yogi. Explaining thus the yogi left. In the evening while the king was strolling on the roof top, Agni Vetaal appeared. Sire ! Why did you promise to help the yogi ? He is very cunning and guileful. In this ritual a perfect man with thirty two virtues has to be sacrificed. Brod What harm can he do to me ? Oh ! That is why he invites me? COMO 35 Page #38 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA AFTER TWELVE DAYS It is the fourteenth of the dark fortnight. The yogi is preparing for his Yes, Sire ! That ritual in his hermitage in the jungle. is why he has called) Today I will acquire you alone. gold power. I will become the richest and the most Friend! I am not alone powerful man of the world. I have sent a black horse as long as you are with to bring Vikram. He me like my shadow. must be coming.... Vetaal explained the yogi's conspiracy to Vikram. Then, the horse arrived along with Vikram. The yogi said V ANNI King! It's already late. Anyway, you follow me. King ! You become my assisting practiser. I will chant mantras. At that time, you protect this yagna against attacks from ghosts and demons. Yogiraj! What do you want me to do? 36 Page #39 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Vikram got ready and stood in front of the yagna-pyre. The Yogi said O king! You have to remain within this protective vermilion circle. I will chant the mantras and you should follow my instructions. King! Take this mantra-charged sword in your hand and stand in attention. MARIE This appears to be the corpse. Chhote hal 100 With the sword in his hand Vikram went to the cremation ground. He saw the corpse hanging on a banyan treeJan 1105 The yogi continued mantra chanting. Vikram stood alert with the sword in his hand. The yogi said King! The Mahakaal cremation ground is nearby. A corpse hangs on a banyan tree there. Go and get it. Don't utter a word otherwise the corpse will return to the tree. Joes He took the corpse on his shoulder and started back. Suddenly the corpse laughed www 37 637 48 Ha! Ha! Ha! King! You claim to be very wise. Answer my questions. Only then you can take me where you want. If you know and don't answer, your head will burst. I tell you a story that ends in a question. Answer it. Page #40 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA A wise sage told his disciples I want to travel around and see what kind people live where? Zu Pleased with the devotion of the villagers, the sage blessed the villagers when he left May your village be destroyed and you scatter in all directions. The sage came to a village with his disciples. The villagers heartily welcomed the sage. Elders, youth and children all attended the sage with devotion all the time V Eac The villagers thought hi 38 There www quare How strange The sage has blessed us or cursed? With passage of time the village was destroyed and the villagers migrated to different villages to earn their living. Page #41 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The group of sages came to another village. The The sage blessed these villagers villagers abused the sages ia as well May you be Are you not happy here. May ashamed of your village begging in spite of prosper. being healthy and strong ? Get out of our village. Concluding the story the Vetaal within the corpse said The blessing by The sage blessed the sage was absolutely the good people correct. Wherever they go with destruction good people do good to and the bad people others and bad people with prosperity. Tell spread evil. That is why it me king Vikram! is right that good people scatter to different villages Was it right and bad people remain confined to one village. IN What you say is correct, Vikram ! But you have broken your vow of silence Therefore, I go, 000 COORD LCG With these words the corpse returned to the tree. 39 Education International Page #42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Vikram went to the tree again and carried the At last Vikram came to the yogi with the corpse. corpse back. Once again the corpse told a story The yogi uttered angrilyand in excitement Vikram replied. The corpse O king! Why are again returned to the tree. This continued till the 25th story when Vikram remained silent. Agni you so late? Anyway Vetaal appeared be ready now. Friend ! It was I who told you the 25 stories to pass time. You are in trouble. I will be with you but invisible. Be careful. The yogi will bluff you and try to throw you in the fire. CB pedes ur el Explaining all this the Vetaal disappeared. The yogi followed the king and extended his hand to push the king into the fire | The yogi sat on the corpse. He chanted mantras and offered sacrifice in the fire. Then he said Jaylen King ! Now go around the pyre. W Now let me push him into the fire. www.jalnelibrary.org Page #43 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Alert Vikram suddenly turned and pushed the unsuspecting yogi into the fire. Here rascal! Reap what you had sown. Oh! Help me! Mo bil alg,P 91 2 WWW noun The yogi fell into the fire and started burning. OP Suddenly a golden-man emerged from the fire O king! I am a divine golden-man. I am pleased with SAYAYVOYAYAYAY your virtues Put me safe in your your virtues. Put me safe in your KYYXOXYYYYYYY treasury. During the day cut me as much as you want from my lower limbs. During the night I will grow back to normal. Thus you will always have an unending stock of gold. O Golden-man ! promise to spend all the wealth you bless me with for public welfare. 11676d8% dgn 157 AD Vikramaditya took the golden-man and placed it safe in the treasury of Avanti. Education International Page #44 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA One day while Vikramaditya was sitting in his court, an aged stranger came I convey my greetings to the brave King Vikramaditya, the king of kings. SCOTCcc 19 KONCEN 533320 D 2001 BOCSALE SSSSSSSS YOG Every one in the court looked at this stranger with curiosity. The king asked Tell me gentleman, where from do you come and what for? JUEGOS 7322257 Sire! I am a globetrotter. I came to Avanti and took this opportunity to visit your court. The king was curious Gentleman ! This world is full of astonishing things. Have you also come across something/ strange? The visitor took out a beautiful picture and placed it before the king Yes! This is the picture of Sukomala, the daughter of king Mahipal of Pratishthanapur. Her beauty is unparalleled. Besides being an accomplished artist she has many virtues including wisdom. intelligence and courage. But.. A POOOOO Page #45 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Disappointed with this O king! She has I nature of his daughter the a vice that veils king has made a house for all her virtues. her in a garden outside She is a man the city. hater. She hates mere mention of a man. She orders murder when she sees even a shadow of man. Gentleman ! Do you know why she has so much hatred for men ? Sire ! She has acquired the memory of past six births. That is the reason aversion and hatred for man have possessed her. 563 VAT And the visitor told everything about Sukomala in detail. The visitor turned into a handsome god. The king| got up and bowed before him The king offered the old man one lac gold coins as gift. The old man raised his hand DOXA What is this? Here, O king! Please accept this gift of seventy million gold coins from me. O divine one! Why did you come to this world? AVAUX So king! I had heard your praise in the heavens. I have come to see that with my own eyes. Please seek some boon from me. 43 Page #46 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Divine one! There is nothing that I don't have, and I have no craving for more. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA O king! Beholding the divine is never without a boon. Take this divine tablet. When the god left, the king said to Matribhatt I want all information 07 ind Within two days Matribhatt collected all information Sire! In your state there are two courtesans named Madana and Kaamkeli. They are expert singers and dancers. Their sister Roopshri lives in Pratishthanapur and is the dance teacher of Sukomala. about princess Sukomala and how to get her. 44 This is a disguising tablet. Put it in your mouth properties? and you will be disguised What are its as you desire. The god left after giving the tablet. It appears that time is ripe for shattering of Sukomala's ego. Alright, we will do what we want with their, help. NAVAL The king made arrangements to go to Pratishthanapur. Page #47 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Three days later, one night Vikramaditya, Vetaal, Matribhatt, Madana and Kaamkeli left for Pratishthanapur in fast moving chariots. They are my fast friends Vikrama, Vetaala, and Bhatta. Vikrama is an expert dancer and singer and these two are expert musicians. Je Education International EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The five arrived at the outskirts of Pratishthanapur. As soon as they came near Sukomala's garden they heard a thundering sound Vetaal! What is this? Look! Who is that? 20 The five women went to Rupashri's residence. Madana introduced them So we should now disguise ourselves. MAR You all are welcome. Please take rest. I am going to the princess to give dance lessons/ A With the help of the divine tablet they turned into women. Coming to the palace Rupashri informed SukomalaPrincess! Five dancers from the court of King Vikramaditya are my guests today. They all are experts in their fields. She is Marjari Devi, the guardian of Sukomala's palace, sitting on the roof. Now that she has seen us males, she is informing Sukomala. On getting her command she will kill us all. Is it so ? Let me meet them. I would love to watch them perform, Page #48 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Rupashri took her five guests to the palace. Madana and Kaamkeli danced there and Vikrama sang. Sukomala said autous EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Great Vikrama ! Your voice is as beautiful as you are. From now on you should live with me. Gradually Sukomala and Vikrama became fast friends. I have acquired the memory of my past six births. In each one of them men deceived me and caused me pain. There is no being more cruel, harsh and selfish than man. Please tell me how man deceived you. Let me also know. THEM One day Vikrama sang prayers for Shankar, Vishnu, Rishabh, Neminath and Parshvanath. After the song Sukomala said O princess! Why do you hate man so much? Man is the leading performer in this creation. Friend! Why do you utter names of males before me? The moment I hear names of men I get angry. Every part of my body burns with hatred. 010 Jes Sukomala told the story of her past six births Six births before, I was the wife of a merchant named Dhan. Although rich, the. merchant was stingy. Once I gave a Damadi [a coin of smallest denomination at that time] to a beggar. The merchant turned red with anger and beat me up. I had fractures and bruises all over. The miser neither gave me medicine nor food. I died of hunger and thirst in extreme pain. Page #49 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA In next birth I became queen In third birth I was a doe in the of a king. He had another queen, Malayachal forest. There also when Kalavati. She always spoke I was pregnant my selfish and cruel against me to the king. At her A mate wounded me with his sharp behest the cruel and love-blind horns and left me bleeding. king tortured me all my life. hairstyle In the fourth birth I became a goddess. Even in that birth the god I loved always neglected, insulted and tortured me. In the fifth birth I was the wife of a Brahmin. He was very sinful and evil. One auspicious day when he cooked prohibited food and was about to eat I tried to explain him--"My lord! Think for a moment. It is an auspicious day. Please do not commit the great sin of eating prohibited food during the night." In rage he held my hair and threw me in fire. In the sixth birth I was a she-parrot. I was nursing two chicks when there was a forest fire. I asked my mate--"My lord! We should at once fly with our chicks to some safe place. Each one of us can carry one chick. But the parrot was so cruel and selfish that he wounded me with his beak and flew away. I and my two chicks turned to ashes. 47 Page #50 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Sukomala sighed and said My mind is set afire the moment I look at the face of a man. I at once get him cut to pieces with a sword. WI VUUUUUUUU. Friend! In every birth man has deceived me and tortured me. That is the reason every pore of my body spits aversion and hatred for all men. De: < Vikrama said sympathizing O princess ! Indeed, man has treated you cruelly. The feelings of aversion and hatred are natural reactions to that. SOY X After that all the five dancers rode a chariot to Rupashri's house. One day Rupashri said ON Vikrama has become an inseparable friend of Sukomala. She gets unhappy if she doesn't see Vikrama. Yes ! Now she avoids talking to anyone else. A few days later Vikrama said to Madana and Kaamkeli Vetaala will take you two to Avanti. V will stay here for the time being. TIPI SINIFI NU PACUROECRINO For Priva 48 Personal Use Only Page #51 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ NEXT NIGHT In the garden at the back of the palace there is an ancient temple. There is a large courtyard in front of it The courtyard is surrounded by Ashoka, Champak and other trees. In the moonlit night three Vidyadhars# are dancing in the courtyard. The priest sees them performing. Oh! It is an astonishing seen. Vidyadhar gods are dancing here. I should at once inform the king. 180 ka Kindly give such performance in my court and fill everyone with joy. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Dooooo The Vidyadhars performed before the king. The king was enchanted at the performance. He said O King! We dance only in solitude, not in public. # A type of gods that are accomplished artists. 49 The priest brought King Shalivahan. The Vidyadhars flew into the sky when they saw the king. Shalivahan called O Vidyadhar gods! Please stop. Why did you fly away. Please show your enchanting dance otherwise I will kill myself. otaet? The Vidyadhars came down at the king's call. Why...? Why not? M O king! I hate all women. Hatred erupts in me the moment I see a woman. And in your court everyone will be present. www Page #52 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Is that so ? I promise you that there will be no woman in my court. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA All right. King ! the king made a public Tomorrow there is a Remember your announcements sus' dance performance by Vidyadhars in the court. promise. I will come The Vidyadhar hates tomorrow to women; therefore, only perform. men will be admitted On hearing the announcement Sukomala thought OLON What a coincidence. I hate men-folk and the Vidyadhar hates women folk. Has he been tormented by women ? I will certainly go and see the dance. Next day Sukomala in male disguise joined the audience. The court was packed. One Vidyadhar started music and the other two danced. The audience clapped. Oh ! An astonishing performance ! Great ! How 000 beautiful! TKA BAN METRUCCIOSO OCTOBUV 1A Un 50 Page #53 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA After the performance King Shalivahan asked Woman is the Vidyadhars embodiment of deception, cruelty, O Vidyadhars! Why harshness and all do you hate women that is evil. so much ? O Vidyadhar! On what basis you state that ? Woman is, in fact, an image of compassion, love and sweetness. 0000 LOWUCIUC Not at all! I have the experience of my last six births to back what I say. Let's hear what is that experience... LoOo The Vidyadhar told the story of his past six births that was exactly opposite of Sukomala's story. He then added O king ! In all my six births women have deceived me, behaved OKhOD cruelly with me, and caused my death. That is why I hate the sight of women. 0.0004 (c)200R On hearing the Vidyadhar's story Sukomala sitting in male disguise uttered with anger You tell a lie. It was you who killed me in the birth as a merchant. As king you exiled me. As Brahmin you threw me in fire. And you are that deceitful and selfish parrot who flew away leaving his mate and two chicks to burn alone. 90000 100G CODON Drop 51 Page #54 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ King! If I am a liar just ask her what happened of those two chicks who burnt to death with her...? King! These two are the chicks that were burnt to death with me in that forest fire. Here also they were born as my sons. W At this Sukomala was lost in her thoughts EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA It is possible that I have not recalled incidents from my past birth correctly. If that is so, my hatred for men-folk is wrong. I have, committed a mistake. Sukomala was at a loss to answer this question. She said Father! How do I know that? But ask this scoundrel what happened to those tiny chicks? Yes! It is true. We two were burnt alive as parrots in our last birth. We have reincarnated as his sons. Our mother had flown away leaving us burning alone. She thought further 52 OOOCO ww AR It is also possible that this person has started hating women-folk only because of my cruel nature. Page #55 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Sukomala was in a disturbed state of mind. She said Amazed Shalivahan asked What is this Yes, father ! | Father! It was my mistake. Daughter! will condone my Now I would like to marry this mistakes by woman-hater, my husband doing? Do you really marrying him. of six births. want to marry Doesn't he hate this person? women just Ro because of me? How come this sudden transformation ? 0600500 King Shalivahan said to the Vidyadhar O Vidyadhar ! You have obliged me by making my daughter change her attitude. Please marry her now and relieve me of my worries. The Vidyadhar refused for some time but in the end agreed. At an auspicious moment the two were married. King Shalivahan said after blessing the couple O divine person ! Please stay for Sire ! some time in my As you seven storeyed wish. palace. This will add to our happiness. For ZAVA No, sire! Please excuse me. DZIQUCsia UUUU LE BOOM 53 For Private & Personal use only Page #56 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA It is night and three persons are sitting in a garden talking After spending some more happy days Vikram, disguised as a Vidyadhar, thought Sire ! You have cleverly accomplished your mission by transforming yourself as a Vidyadhar. Yes, friend! Now that this mission is over, I am worried about Avanti. Please proceed there soon and take charge of the state. I will stay here some more. Matribhatt and Vetaal returned to Avanti. Vikram thought of a serious excuse and said to Sukomala Darling! It is essential for me to go to my place for some time. I promise you that very soon I will return and take you along. My lord T Please come back soon. I will wait for you. 107 O One night Vikram went to the back door of the palace and wrote about his true identity. When Sukomala reads this verse she will know my true identity. 54 Now that Sukomala is pregnant, this is the right time to go to Avanti. antara 2+2 Get Merowany He then rode his horse and silently left for Avanti. Page #57 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA In due course Sukomala gave birth to a Gradually Dev Kumar grew. He attended beautiful son. When King Shalivahan saw the school and mastered all arts. One day a child he said friend taunted him Daughter ! This child is exactly like his Father N Vidyadhar father. You claim to be When Therefore, we will he very clever and brave. will call him see his Tell me the name of Dev Kumar. father? your father ? maan MAP HUO WWhen Dev Kumar came and asked his mother, sshe started crying One day while moving around in the palace, Dev Kumar came to the back door. By chance he looked at the door. 00000 I don't know for what misdeed he has punished me. He sshattered my pride and left. I know nothing about him. Mother ! Please don't be sad. Rest assured, I will search my father. NOVOD Oh! This means that my father is the ruler of Avanti. DI avantI jAre bopa : pariNIya bRpaanjaam| bAM pAtuMbaNDa mRtpadanotkaralIDA psen'dhH| 1, who carry scepter to protect the land, return to my Avanti after marrying a pure hearted princess. For Private & Personal use only Page #58 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Dev Kumar came and told everything to his mother. Getting blessings from King Shalivahan and Sukomala, Dev Kumar left for Avanti alone. Is your father the king of Avanti? Let's go there at once. No, mother! Father has cheated you. I will also. use bluff to meet him. I will see that you meet him with all due honour. www Roaming around, Dev Kumar came to a courtesan named Kaali. He placed a lot of money before her and said, Kaali ! I need your help and not your body. Just give me all information about the city and I will make you rich. Dev Kumar rested during the night and in the morning asked At which floor does the royal couple sleep? Tell me how to reach there? P Ex Dilvers 56 Enduring all hardships of the journey he arrived at Avanti. All right, my lord! I will tell you whatever you ask me. You may make yourself at home here. DO The royal couple sleeps at the seventh floor. The way to the palace is through the garden. Dev Kumar collected information from Kaali and started making his plan. Page #59 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA When Vikramaditya reached his palace in the During the second quarter of night Dev Kumar evening, Agni Vetaal came and said employed his power to turn invisible and entered the palace. First he silently paid respect to Sire! I am going to divine parentsislands to attend some Father ! I am using this divine celebrations. miraculous power just to Please don't summon introduce myself. Please me for two months. pardon me. Alright, friend! Bon voyage. 2 After that he took the queen's jewel box. After bidding goodbye to Vetaal the king went to Ibed. With his miraculous power he came straight to Kaali's house. When Kaali saw so much ornaments she uttered with surprise Next day there was great commotion in the palace Oh God! From where you got so many ornaments ? Silence ! These ornaments belong to queen Kalavati. Keep them safe. Theft in the palace ! Queen's jewel box is missing. (Who could be such reckless thief? Education International 57 Page #60 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Vikramaditya called an emergency meeting of officers This must be some highly reckless and guileful thief. He challenges the power of the state by stealing from the palace. 333 Kaali informed Dev Kumar Did you hear! The chief of the city guards has accepted the challenge to catch the thief within three days. Spies are searching every street. Be careful where you go, EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Thanks!I will see. Sire! No matter how reckless the thief is, rest assured I will catch him within three days. !! HAWIS Around midnight on the third day a traveller with a sling-pole stopped the chief of guards on the street Mama I Mama! Please stop. 58 , Alright, but if you fail to catch the thief within three days you will get the punishment the thief deserves. (Who is it? Page #61 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Mama! This is your nephew Shyamal. Bad news, Mama! You never know what the king may do. He could confiscate. all your wealth and destroy your family. Jam Education International Hey Shyamal! When did you return) from pilgrimage? Why your voice seems to have changed? What should I do, nephew? EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA 70:25 Shyamal went to the chief's house with a guard. The guard told the chief's wife Nothing that matters. Fatigue of a long travel. But Mama! Why do you appear so sad and dejected. Isn't all well with you? Bo Shi Mama! In the dark of the night you should hide all your wealth at a safe place. Nephew! Nothing is well. A sword hangs over my head. Three days have passed and I have yet to catch the thief. In the morning the king will punish me instead of the thief. Nephew! I am on guard-duty and can't leave. Please go and do this for me. The chief conveys that you should send all your wealth to some secret place with Shyamal. What happens tomorrow is uncertain? The chief's wife gave all the valuables, ornaments and cash to Shyamal. 59 Page #62 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Shyamal brought all the wealth to Kaali's house. In the morning the chief of guards returned home. His wife said Here keep all During the night this wealth. I am Oh God! Shyamal took all taking rest now. Something is our wealth for safe You should bring keeping but he is wrong. all news from the yet to return. city to me. NP 9XOXO When Shyamal did not come even till noon, the chief's When the chief came out of the house he found wife was worried the sling-pole and Shyamal's dress lying near the It is noon time but Shyamaly 1 gate. has not returned. I am 'It appears that disguised as getting nervous. Shyamal, the same cunning thief has swindled me too. Oh! We have lost everything. CO O The chief went to King Vikramaditya and told everything Sire! The thief has punished the police He is very cunning chief. The cunning thief and courageous, has eloped with all not just an ordinary my wealth. thief. OXO ANI 60 www.jalnelibrary.org Page #63 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA This way who ever took the challenge of On the king's instructions an announcement was catching the thief was robbed by the thief. No. made one could catch the thief. At last the ministers Citizens of Avanti listen advised the king carefully. A thief is harassing the Sire ! The thief is, Such person can whole city. Whoever catches the indeed, very cunning not be controlled thief and brings before the king will and courageous. He with deceit and be awarded half the kingdom. possesses some power. We will have miraculous powers as well. to employ diplomatic skill. andrand DOCX Dev Kumar said to Kaali Kaali went and touched the drum. The soldiers presented him before the king. Minister Buddhisagar said Do you hear, Kaali ? It is now your salvation time. Go touch the drum and present me before the king. Misfortune never comes alone. We are already deep in infamy for our failure to catch the thief, and now a courtesan could become master of half the kingdom.... ANTART Minister! Compose yourself. Let's first give her a hearing. Dev Kumar explained the plan to Kaali and sent her. Jallieducation International For Private & Sanal Use Only Page #64 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The king asked the courtesan Where is the thief? How will you get him caught ? EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The king arranged for decorated chariots and a band. In one chariot sat courtesan Kaali with the stolen goods and in the other sat Dev Kumar. Large crowds gathered on streets and houses to see the strange thief. When people saw him they uttered Is he the thief ? No ! He appears to be some prince. It seems that driven by her greed for half the kingdom, the courtesan has trapped him. 0900 Sire ! I know where the thief is but I need good chariots and a band to bring him here. Dev Kumar entered the court and greeted King Vikramaditya, the king of kings, please accept homage from Dev Kumar. He can't be a thief. I feel like hugging him. How lovable, beautiful and radiant he is! Who are you young man ? Did you commit all these acts of theft? If yes, why ? And now why do you surrender yourself? Sire! Stealing was not my purpose. I only wanted to meet you after a display of my strength and wisdom. 29,7 999999 os RONER Voo GO00 62 * Page #65 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ What for? Why did you want to meet me? EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Sire! You are a Vidyadhar who knows his past six births. With your wisdom you converted a man-hater woman and married her. It should not be difficult for you to know a few things about me? Vikramaditya hugged Dev Kumar and made him sit on the throne. Tears of joy brimmed every eye in the court. Vikramaditya said Ministers and other members of the court! This valorous person is my son from queen Sukomala. Now you all know that this son of Vikram excels his father in strength, cunning, courage and brilliance. The king looked at him with surprise. The face of Sukomala surfaced in his memory. He asked Do you come from Pratishthanapur? 2000000 He added Yes, I am Dev Kumar, son of queen Sukomala and grandson of King Shalivahan. I pay my respects to my father, King Vikramaditya of Avanti. He stepped ahead and touched Vikramaditya's feet His father was believed to be a god (dev) that is why he was named Dev Kumar. Since this day he will be known as Vikramcharitra. 63 Don BU Hail King Vikramaditya ! Hail prince Vikramcharitra! Hails of victory filled the court. www.jainelibrary.ou Page #66 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ After the court the king said Come, meet your mothers in the palace and have dinner with us, EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA No, father! I have promised my mother that I will not eat as long as I do not meet my father and bring her the news of his well being. 500 IMS Vikramaditya sent his ministers and soldiers with Vikramcharitra to Pratishthanapur. Son! Go at once and bring your mother here. will make arrangements for Queen Sukomala's reception. Queen Sukomala and prince Vikramcharitra entered Avanti with great fanfare. Long Hail Queen Sukomala ! LUF live prince Vikramcharitra !/ cchaak And they lived happily with Vikramaditya. Wh With his courage, cleverness and wisdom King Vikramaditya erased the feeling of aversion for males from the mind of a woman and brought her back into the mainstream of life. With his statesmanship he accomplished the welfare of masses. Prince Vikramcharitra also added to the glory of his parents by inheriting the courage and ideals of his father. 64 Page #67 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ ACHARYA SIDDHASEN AND KING VIKRAMADITYA Under the rule of King Vikramaditya the people of Ujjayini were happy and affluent. In that city lived Kumud Chandra, a Brahmin scholar of Katyayan clan. He was the son of the state priest Devarshi. Mahapundit [great scholar] Kumud Chandra was an alround scholar and expert of astrology and augury. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA On day Mahapundit Kumud Chandra was walking on the street. People approached and paid him their respect. Kumud Chandra uttered with pride Revered one! It doesn't behove you to have such ego. Stars shine only as long as sun doesn't rise. What of Ujjayini ? Even outside Ujjayini, is there anyone who can debate with me on scriptures? An elderly pundit stepped ahead and said I have vowed that if some scholar defeats me ! will become his disciple. pp No. revered one! Your flag of victory furls over the whole earth. The old pundit said 65 Revered one! Jain Acharya Vriddhavadisuri has no parallel in India in the fields of logic and debate. If you could defeat him... DEL Page #68 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Kumud Chandra Where is he ? Please 1 have heard that tell me. I will he has left Dashpur certainly and is heading/1 ks meet him. to Ujjayini. A I will meet him on the way I will defeat him before he reaches Ujjayini. ANWA. Mahapundit Kumud Chandra started for Dashpur with his disciples. Some miles away from Ujjayini he saw an elderly Jain acharya and his disciples coming. Soon the group came near Kumud Chandra Who you may be ? It appears that this is Acharya Vriddhavadi. 66 Page #69 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The acharya stopped, looked up and said Vriddhavadi said with a smile After excelling in fourteen subjects including Oh ! You philosophy, logic, debate Tell me are Acharya what do you and astrology I have Vriddhavadi. 1 my People call established the reign of want? wanted to me my wisdom on this earth. Vriddhavadi. meet you. ME kas I want to have a debate with you. Why? Great! I am very happy to meet such a scholar. After defeating you I will be called the king of logic. na 67 Page #70 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Oh ! Your aim is to embrace victory. But why here in a jungle ? If you want to have a debate, come to the court of Ujjayini. There are many scholars there. Only scholars can judge a debate. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA By that time many cowherds taking their cows and goats for grazing had gathered there. They were listening with curiosity Kumud Chandra No, we will have said O cowherds ! You Yes ! our debate here have to be the judges Alright! only. These of our debate. Please Go cowherds will be remain standing here, ahead equr judges, MASC Kumud Chandra started the debate You say that your Tirthankar is omniscient. I say there can be no omniscient in this world. Kumud Chandra started speaking fluently in Sanskrit. It was a long speech. The cowherds uttered O pundit ! What gibberish is this. For so long we have not understood even a word. Now stop it. Alright, present your arguments. Alas! These cowherds can't know Sanskrit ? O 68 Page #71 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The cowherds turned to Vriddhavad Vriddhavadi smiled and asked the and asked cowherds Children ! Is there some omniscient in your village ? Old man ! Now you But do not chatter like the pundit. Yes ! There is an old Jain temple where an omniscient Tirthankar sits. heyet speak We go to worship him every day. Its he who protects our cattle. Astonished Kumud Chandra thought Vriddhavadi asked the cowherds No ! Please tell us old man. All my arguments against omniscience have gone worthless. Children! Do you know the path to heaven? Com Demons 69 Page #72 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA In dancing posture and gesturing with hands and The cowherds clappedeyes, Vriddhavadi sangHe who does not Great! We enjoyed it, old man ! kill and steal, does not What you say is correct. Please sleep with other's woman. recite some more... With his own hands gives charity, In due course reaches heaven. Alright, now I will tell you what is the joy of heaven Darbe Vriddhavadi recited this verse in Prakrit, the common man's language of that period. The cowherds understood every word. The cowherd Vriddhavadi recited another verse A black blanket and Arani wood in hand, butter-milk, a pitcher for you, an sheep some green grass. What more than this, can be the heavenly bliss ? Great! Wonderful ! This old man is an omniscient. He has won. Hey pundit! You have lost. VO ww Sue W ower Acharya Sir ! have, indeed, lost. You win. Kumud Chandra stood looking down. 70 Page #73 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ No ! O scholar! Please don't be disappointed by the decision of these village ignorant. Let's go to the council of scholars in Ujjayini and debate. Victory and defeat will be judged there only, EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA No! After this Kumud Chandra approached Revered one! Vriddhavadi He who knows the social code is, indeed, an According to my omniscient. I vow I am now your accept my disciple. You are defeat. my guru. pooooooooo Acharya Vriddhavadi thought In future this scholar will play an important role in the spread of Jain order. CON He said to Mahapundit Kumud Chandra O scholar ! Any guru will be happy to have a gem of a disciple like you. 71 www.ana Page #74 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA On coming to Ujjayini Acharyashri initiated Once he studied Jain ascetic-code thoroughly the Kumud Chandra as a Jain ascetic guru awarded him the status of Acharya and said Son ! Spread the Hail light of your knowl Sarvajnaedge all around. putra! Spread the Jain order far and wide V Since this day you will be called Muni) Siddhasen. TWW Due to his astonishing command over philosophy, logic, astrology, augury and other subjects soon Muni Siddhasen became famous as Sarvajnaputra (son of the omniscient]. One morning there was a lot of activity on street crossings in Ujjayini. Thousands of well dressed people were going towards the garden outside the city. Who goes in this large procession ? Sewa NA OD SC00 OOOYOO QO000 'COOT XOX0000 72 Page #75 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The mahout said, So EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The king silently paid homage to the Acharya. Sire ! Today Jain Acharya Siddhasen Sarvajnaputra is arriv He is ing in Ujjayini. This is Sarvajnaputra. his procession. Does he know what goes on in someone's mind? Y Let me test. CD Wella UVODU When he came near, the Acharya The king at once got down from O sage! raised his hand in blessing and the elephant, paid homage to Other gurus said loudly the ascetic and asked give blessings for wealth, state O king In and other such O sage! things. Why did Who did you your thoughts you say may bless even you paid you avail without his homage to me. Myl religiosity ? paying you blessings were in homage ? response to that. Oking! Wealth, good fortune and happ ness all are fruits of the wish fulfilling tree of religion. If the roots are watered fruits will grow naturally. ein line Tot O king! Dharmalaabh! Page #76 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ www WE This is a strange pillar? To felicitate your arrival in Ujjayini I submit a gift of ten million gold coins at your feet. From Ujjayini Acharya Siddhasen proceeded to Chitrakoot. When he saw an ancient pillar in a hall, he said EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Yes! This ancient pillar was constructed with some special herbs. It is said that there are rare manuscripts in this pillar. O king! We Nirgranth Shramans completely renounce all mundane things including wealth. What we expect is devotion notwealth. Vikramaditya was highly impressed at these words. He said Your detachment is exceptional. Please use this wealth for spread of religion After discussing religion for some time. Vikramaditya rode the elephant and left. Acharyashri was an expert of mantra and tantra. He made a special powder and applied it on the pillar with chanting of some mantra. 74 Page #77 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA He chanted the mantra again and there was a Acharyashri sat in solitude and started reading manuscript in his hands! the palm-leave manuscript Oh! Sarshap Vidya mort He read further Oh ! Svarnasiddhi Vidya The hole closed automatically. He thought He then meditated for some time and proceeded to turn the leaves of the book. But the book had disappeared. He looked up in surprise and heard the pronouncement of the guardian deity O ascetic ! Realizing that indiscriminate use of this book could be harmful, I made the book disappear. Whatever happened is for the good. Such knowledge could be misused in future. 22 ond bolice But Acharyashri had gained the knowledge of the two said subjects during the little time he got with the book. # A specific magical power. 75 Page #78 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The fame of Acharya Siddhasen reached far and wide due to these miraculous powers. Thousands of people followed him wherever he went. One day he arrived in Kurmar city in Bengal. The ruler of the city came to pay him homage The radiant face and commanding speech of Acharyashri made the king his devotee. One day King Devpal came to Acharyashri. Finding him sad, Acharyashri asked Gurudev ! The army of King Vijaya Varma O king! of Kaam-roop has What worries surrounded our city. you today? My homage, Acharyashri! The city welcomes you. O king ! Kshatriyas are never afraid of a battle. But, Gurudev ! We have very limited army and resources During the night Acharyashri placed a plate full of sesame seeds and chanted mantras of Sarshap Vidya. Om O king ! Don't worry. My devotee can never be defeated. 76 * Page #79 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA All the sesame seeds in the plate turned to When Vijaya Varma saw thousands of soldiers soldiers on horse back. Acharyashri instructed joining the opposing army he got nervous. He asked his commanderFrom where Sire ! Our army so many sold will not be able iers have suddenly appeared ? It to face this attack. appears that the It is advisable to king has a retreat and save very large Go and protect ourselves secret army. King Devpal's kingdom. The soldiers at once rode towards the battle field. During the night itself the army of Vijaya Varma retreated. In the morning Devpal came and paid homage to Acharyashri Gurudev ! This would require a lot of money. The treasury of the state is already in a poor state due to war. Gurudev ! You have favoured me by performing a miracle O king! Now make necessary arrangements for a strong army, Once again Acharyashri solved the problem of his devotee by! giving large quantity of gold made through his Svarna siddhi Vidya: Take it and make all necessary arrangements for the security of your people. 77 lag Page #80 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ TRLNVANINAMADITIA Expressing his gratitude for the favour, Devpal said Gurudev ! You V have removed the darkness of fear and poverty of the kingdom. You are, indeed, Divakar (the sun) for us. A When the king conferred the title of Divakar on Acharya Siddhasen the ministers hailed with joy Victory to Gurudev Siddhasen Divakar. Since that day he became popular as Siddhasen Divakar. Acharya Vriddhavadi was in Malay those days. One morning when he was returning after the morning visit to temple, some visitors paid homage. Gurudev ! RE We come from Dharmalaabh ! Kurmar city. Your Gentlemen! disciple Acharya Where do you Siddhasen come from? is there. Is everything alright? Why you look worried ? Gurudev ! We have come to you for a solution to our problem. 78 Page #81 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Gurudev ! With his miraculous powers Acharya Siddhasen has made King Devavarma his disciple. Now he goes to the king's court riding an elephant or a palanquin and enjoys all other worldly com forts. He is busy throughout in What is the political discussions. Even Oh ! This paying him homage has matter? Tell is not become difficult for us me frankly. Shravaks (Jain laity). proper. Anna WAVRIL EN Gurudev ! Now there is no question of proper or improper. What he does is all proper. Who cares for ascetic discipline or Jain religion. mente Acharyashri said They all came to the Upashraya. The Shravaks put forth their concerns and saict Neglect of the ascetic code by such a scholarly Acharya has become intolerable. Don't worry. Everything will be alright Gentlemen! We will go to the nearby Upashraya# and talk. SIZE After the Shravaks left, Acharyashri sat alone and thought I will have to go to correct ascetic Siddhasen. # Staying place for Jain ascetics. 79 www.jainelibrary ale Page #82 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA He called his disciples and said Wandering from one village to another Acharyashri came to Kurmar city disguised as a Brahmin. He saw Acharya Siddhasen surrounded by hundreds of people on his way to I am going away the court. Acharyashri approached him and said alone for some time. The responsibility of the A Sangh" rests with you. CONUT As you say, Gurudev ! A Brahmin pays homage to Divakar Siddhasen, the best of logicians. Acharya Siddhasen looked at the Brahmin with surprise. Oh! Who are you who uses such sweet and beautiful language? Respected Brahmin ! You will find answers of all your questions with Sarvajnaputra. AN Hearing of your fame, I have come from faraway) lands with a question. I have come from distant lands with this hope only. 80 # Religious organization. Page #83 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The old Brahmin recited a verse The Brahmin said | I could not understand the meaning of this verse. Please explain. Why pluck buds ? Why destroy garden? Offer flowers to unblemished, why wander in jungle ?* Ask whatever you want to but be quick Siddhasen scratched his head and thought. Even I do not understand the meaning of this verse. Who is this scholar? Lost in his thoughts, Siddhasen was suddenly alarmed. He looked at the old man carefully Only my guru is such a scholar. Isn't he my guru? # This human life is a creeper with delicate flowers. Why destroy it by plucking buds of mundane comforts ? Over indulgence in the mundane destroys the spiritual garden. Offer the flowers of virtues to the unblemished Jina, why Jain Edu wander in the jungle of rebirths ? Page #84 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Siddhasen recognized his guru. He at once got down from the palanquin, joined his palms and bowed at the feet of his guru Pardon me Gurudev! Forgive me for my mistake. 5728 Son! What is all this I see. Is it the conduct of a Jain ascetic. Did I send you for spread of religion with this in mind? EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Siddhasen came to the Upashraya with his guru. When he asked the meaning of the verse the guru said Son! You are eating unripe fruits of the tree of religion. 82 Siddhasen touched the feet of his guru and sought forgiveness Gurudev! You have awaken me. I had become intoxicated with state honour and regal comforts. The words of the guru hit him like lightening. The guru prescribed an atonement. Siddhasen promised Gurudev !! will never commit such mistake again. bud Son! I am going back to Malay with faith in your assurance. Continue your mission of spreading the Jain order. Page #85 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Acharyashri Siddhasen is giving a discourse on scriptures in the large Upashraya in Pratishthanapur. In the large gathering four scholar Brahmins are also sitting. After the discourse the Brahmin scholars said INI This is the language of Jain Why a great Agams (scriptures). scholar like you The preaching of speaks in Prakrit, Bhagavan Mahavir the language of 'is Ardha Magadhi villagers ? Prakrit alone. TEL Leibesche P. The pundits Acharyashri convincingly answered the scholars but later he thought This is the age of Sanskrit. Prakrit is known as the language of women and villagers. In order to explain Jain philosophy to scholars, all the Agams should be in Sanskrit. Didn't the Jain ascetics of that period know Sanskrit ? BE 83 Page #86 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ He thought further I will translate all Agams in Sanskrit. And he immediately translated Namokar Mantra in Sanskrit. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA After some time he went to his guru, Acharya Vriddhavadi, and said Gurudev became serious and looked at Siddhasen Why? Acharya Vriddhavadi said harshly How dare you do that? How such evil idea came into your mind? # Principal disciples of Bhagavan Mahavir. Gurudev !! have translated Namokar Mantra in Sanskrit. Gurudev! Prakrit is the language of villagers. Sanskrit is the language of scholars. Therefore I want to translate all scriptures in Sanskrit. 84 Do you think that Tirthankar Bhagavan did not know Sanskrit ? Were Gautam and other Ganadhars" not scholars of Sanskrit...? Are you a greater scholar than them 2 Page #87 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Siddhasen looked agape at Acharyashri Ashamed Siddhasen looked down. Do you know why the How dare you omniscient Tirthankars show disrespect gave their sermons in and disregard to Ardha Magadhi, the the omniscient Vanguage of masses ? Vitarag ? Siddhasen, with joined palms You have committed a grave mistake by showing disrespect to omniscient Tirthankars. There were tears in the eyes of SiddhasenGurudev ! | The atonement for am sorry, please this grave crime will pardon me. be prescribed for you before the Sangh. Gurudev ! | have committed a mistake. Acharya Vriddhavadi summoned the Sangh and after reproaching Siddhasen's deed said The only atonement for this mistake is that you should leave the ascetic garb and practice harsh austerities for twelve years secretly. You should reveal your identity only after you have served the spread of the Jain order by making some king a devotee of the Jina. As you say, Gurudev ! After accepting this order Siddhasen left the city and, disguised as an Avadhoot, started his secret austerities. 85 For Private & Persanal Use Only Page #88 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The Mahakaal temple of Ujjayini. In the temple an Avadhoot is lying with his feet towards the Shiva Linga. When the priest saw this he came to the Avadhoot and tried to wake him up = Hey Baba! What is this? Are you out of Hey Baba! Who your mind ? are you? Why do you lie with your feet towards the symbol of the deity ? Even after shouting many times the Avadhoot | did not get up. The priest called the head priest, who came along with eight-ten people Some people don't listen to words. Hold him by his feet and drag him out. Baba ! If you want to sleep, go somewhere else. Why are you lying here like this ? A O sage! This way you are insulting the deity. Please get up. I In spite of all this the Avadhoot did not move. 86 www.jalnelibrary.org Page #89 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Two persons caught his feet and tried to drag-| Four five persons tried again. Even their combined strength could not move the Avadhoot! Use all your even an inch. strength, drag him and throw He seems to Revered Hey ! His be an Aghori him out. one! We are leg is very sweating Baba.# Go heavy. I and inform but fail to King move can't even Vikramaditya. move it. him. 2 KAN Two guards came and informed King Vikramaditya Sire ! Some Aghori Who is that Baba is sleeping with his V cunning impostor ? eet in the direction of the 1 Wake him up by mage of Mahakaaleshvar. whipping. Arrest In spite of all efforts he him and present is not getting up. before me. The guards returned to the temple and started whipping the Avadhoot who turned to show his back. ont want to get (Enjoy whipping now. up ? Alright! ESCUELLO (mo001 YUUUUU W The Avadhoot did not even flinch even on continuous whipping. 87 # Shaivite mendicants having evil magical powers. For Private & Personal use only Page #90 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA All of a sudden loud wailing and moaning | The maids were alarmed. They sounded from King Vikramaditya's palace. rushed to the king and informed The queen shouted Sire ! There are red Sire! The bruises on the queens Oh ! Some one is palace is filled with My lady ! beating me. Lashing skin. We don't know who sounds of wailing and There is moaning. Some evil my back with a whip. is this invisible ghost. no one ghost or magician here! is lashing the queen's back. S00050 He at once rushed to the Mahakaal temple. Vikramaditya scratched his head and thought over for a moment Stop it! Wait! Don't hit the Avadhoot. Isn't it a spell by that Avadhoot? 88 Page #91 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The king went near and looked He appears to cus be some accom plished yogi disguised as Fan Avadhost. EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The king joined his palm and paid homage O sage! Whoever you are, please introduce yourself. Why are you insulting the deity thus ? The Avadhoot opened his eyes opened his eyes. He again closed his eyes and and looked at the king. turned around. O great yogi ! Devotion for Bhagavan Mahakaal begets all bliss of heaven and liberation. His insult is a great sin. Hearing these words the Avadhoot got up O king ! The bliss of heaven and liberation is not given by some god or great god. Man attains it with his on endeavour. 89 in Education International Page #92 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA O great Yogi ! I only know that devotion for Bhagavan Shiva begets liberation. Anything besides) that, you have to tell me YA O king ! You want to know more, here it is.. The Avadhoot started reciting a panegyric in loud voice M Kalyan Mandir M Mudar.... . Some miracle is about to happen. Slowly smoke came out from the Shiva Lingas Oh ! Suddenly the Shiva Linga is giving out smoke. 90 Page #93 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Some time later a divine image emerged from the Shiva Linga. Everyone looked agape. The king also witnessed the scene with astonishment O king! Don't you see? This is the image of Vitarag Bhagavan Parshvanath. Both Shiva and Parshva are symbols of beatitude. Whoever has conquered fondness and is detached is worth worship. Vikramaditya paid homage to the Avadhoot O great yogi ! Please give your introduction. Why did you perform this miracle ? Acharya Siddhasen introduced himself. Overwhelmed with devotion Vikramaditya bowed at his feet. O king ! Understand the true form of the detached omniscient and worship him. That is the path to Shiva (beatitude). Page #94 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA The Acharya then added Acharyashri's preaching made King Vikramaditya tilt towards Jainism and he started respecting O king ! You are the Jain Shramans. He gave a position of honour to embodiment of religion and Acharya Siddhasen in his council of scholars. morality. You should understand that the fundamentals of all religions are same. True religiosity is to seek unity and assimilation, not division and opposition among religions. MA Se At that time Acharya Vriddhavadi was stationed at Bhrigukachha. One day prominent members of the Sangh came and informed Acharya Siddhasen is capable of taking over Gurudev ! You have the Sangh management become very weak due to but five years still old age. Have you thought remain in his allotted about the future manage atonement period, ment of the Sangh? Looking at his services towards the spread of the Jain order, can't his atonement period be reduced ? I am also on the same track. Now we should invite Siddhasen with due honour. L'It is said that the panegyric Acharya Siddhasert recited became popularly known as Kalyan Mandir Stotra. The image of Parshvanath emerged from Shiva Linga at the conclusion of eleventh verse of this Stotra. That image is presently installed as Avanti Parshvanath in the Jain temple in Ujjayini. This incident informs about the unity and uniformity of Shiva and Parshvanath and inspires towards unity in diversity. 92 Page #95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA On getting permission from guru Vriddhavadi, the prominent Shravaks went to Ujjayini and requested Siddhasen Gurudev and the Sangh are happy with your contribution towards spread of the What order. The Sangh is instructions Gurudev sends very grateful to you for me? You should again grace the position of the Acharya of the Sangh. This is the wish of Gurudev and the Sangh. It is my duty to accept the order of Gurudev and the advise of the Sangh A few days later Siddhasen left for Bhrigukachha to see his guru. On the way he got the sad news. Acharya Siddhasen was re-installed as the Acharya of the Sangh with due ceremony on an auspicious day. King Vikramaditya attended this ceremony and honoured Acharyashri with the shawl of honour. vvikhlimilaakkaam Acharyashri we are indebted to you for bringing O king! To tread the river of religion the path of religion is the greatest service to Ujjayini. to the guru. Acharyashri ! Gurudev has left for his heavenly abode. Oh! I could not even get the last glimpse of my guru. A . 93 Page #96 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Acharya Siddhasen reached Bhrigukachha. The After some time Acharyashri came to whole Sangh warmly greeted him. King Pratishthanapur. By now he was also quite Dhananjaya of Bhrigukachha came to receive old. One day he had a premonition during his meditation. He summoned his disciples and said pointing at a senior and able disciple Son ! I don't have long to live. You should protect this garden like Sangh. Pursue the mission of spread of Jain order. I will now work for my spiritual purification. Please come, Acharyashri. We all welcome you. With passage of tire King Dhananjaya became his devotee and Acharyashri showed him the L path of devotion for the Jina. He then took the ultimate vow (Santhara) and, engrossed in the thoughts of Arihant Siddha Bhagavan," embraced meditational death. Thousands of Shravaks joined his last rites: A # The all conquering perfected liberated souls. 94 Page #97 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Some days later a bard from Pratishthanapur came to Vishaala city. There he met Sadhvi Siddhashri, the sister of Acharya Siddhasen. The Sadhvi (female ascetic) asked EN Tears brimmed in his eyes. He said in choked voice At present fire-flies of other schools are twinkling south of here. How are Acharyashri and his disciples ? | The Sadhvi became sad and asked Why? Has the sun (Divakar) that is Siddhasen set? 658 Tears started flowing from the bard's eyes. On getting the news Sadhvi Siddhashri also took the ultimate vow and embraced meditational death. IS For Private 93sonal Use Only Page #98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ King Vikramaditya also got the news In Pratishthanapur Acharya Siddhaser Suri has left for his heavenly abode EMPEROR VIKRAMADITYA Today the sun of south has, indeed, set. U101 1010 CiviCiviCIC e`kek He then handed over his kingdom to his valourous son Vikramcharitra. U UUO King Vikramaditya also got detached from the worldly pleasures. Yoga is the source of not only the worldly but also the spiritual attainments. True religion is to lead life like a yogi and not like a pleasureseeker. During his life time King Vikramaditya started many charitable institutions, organized many groups pilgrimages and helped the spread of Jain order many other ways. He attained immortality in the history of mankind through his bravery, valour, selfconfidence, statesmanship and many other virtues. In the fiftieth year of his life he ended the Shaka rule from India and got the title 'Shakari'. In memory of that victory he also started the Vikram calendar. Source books: Jain Dharma Ke Prabhavak Acharya by Sadhvi Sanghamitra, pp. 356-373; Prabhavak Charitra and Prabandh Kosha. THE END 96 Page #99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ AJIVA GUNA PRAMAAN (1) Varna Guna Pramaan (Standard of Validation by Appearance or Colour-attributes)-Information acquired through eyes-the five colour attributes black, blue, red, yellow and white. (2) Gandh Guna Pramaan Standard of Validation by Smellattributes)-Information acquired through nose-good smell and bad smell attributes. (3) Rasa Guna Pramaan (Standard of Validation by Tasteattributes)-Information acquired through tongue-the five taste attributes-bitter, pungent, astringent, sour and sweet. (4) Sparsh Guna Pramaan (Standard of Validation by Touchattributes) Information acquired through body-the eight attributes of touch-abrasive or hard, soft, heavy, light, cold, hot, smooth and coarse or dry. (5) Samsthan Guna Pramaan (Standard of Validation by Structure-attributes)-Five kinds including Parimandal Samsthan Guna Pramaan (circular-plate structure). -Aphorisms 429-434, pp. 270-273 Page #100 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Gandh Guna Varna Guna Sparsh Guna Rasa Guna WOT Samsthan Guna AJIVA GUNA PRAMAAN (See Details Overleaf) Picture taken from Illsutrated Anuyog-dvar Sutra, Editor: Shri Amar Muni K'I