Rishidatta Diwakar Chitrakatha 046

Author(s): Shantakumari Sadhvi, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006646/1

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A Mahavir Seva Trust Presenation DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA RISHIDATTA Vol. 46 Rs. 25.00 TRILOX For Privale & Personal use only

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RISHIDATTA Happiness and sorrow in life are like sun and shade. An ordinary person is joyous in conditions of happiness and sad in those of sorrow. But a wise man maintains equanimity considering happiness and sorrow to be consequences of his own deeds. He keeps his mental balance. A man with such balanced views never faces defeat in his life. He neither breaks down in adversity nor does he get excited in joy. He is capable of forgiving even a grave offender and having a feeling of love and friendship with all. The story of Sati Rishidatta gives us the message that forgive even your offender and endure torments with equanimity considering them to be the fruits of your own deeds. The life story of Rishidatta is one of the most popular stories in Jain narrative literature. The tenth century Prakrit author Gunapala Muni of the Naail lineage wrote a book titled Isidatta Chariyam. Based on this work numerous books have been written about the story of Rishidatta in Sanskrit, Gujarati and Rajasthani languages. Rishidatta was the daughter of a hermit (Tapas Rishi). But later, under the influence of Dharmaghosh Acharya she accepted Nirgranth religion (Jainism). Sadhvi Shri Shantakumari ji, the scholarly disciple of Mahasati Kamalavati ji has favoured us with this story of Rishidatta. We are indebted to her. -Shrichand Surana 'Saras' Written by : Sadhvi Shri Shantakumari ji M. Sa Editor: Managing Editors : Translator: Shrichand Surana 'Saras' Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana Surendra Bothara PUBLISHERS MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST A-7. SAGAR NIWAS, IST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097. PH. (O) 8811397, (R) 8892121 FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) Clo DR. P.B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.). PH. 806-793-8555 SHREE DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. PH. : (0562) 351165 Fallation International

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RISHIDATTA Borre At last, when he failed to stop the horse, he held the dangling branches of a banyan tree and lifted himself from the running horse. Oh! King Harishen of Tambavati city was very fond of horse riding. He had a stable full of fast horses. Once a horse merchant gifted him a very fast horse. The king went riding that horse. After covering a long distance in a jungle beyond the border of his state he tried to stop the horse De cra Thank God! I am saved. There appears a hermitage ahead. I will go there to rest. Syfony The king was sweating profusely. The king entered the hermitage. An old sage was sitting there in meditation. The king paid him homage Oh! It runs even faster! Why doesn't it stop? MAY God bless you! What brought you here, O king? Mov Revered one! Please accept the homage from Harishen, the king of Tambavati. www.jainelibrary

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Rishidatta The king told his story and added I was destined to behold you this day. That is why my life was saved. O king! Serving the masses is the highest service. O Sage ! I am ever ready to serve my people. Please tell me how can I serve you? Impressed by the king, the sage gave him a herb and said O king ! This herb is an anti-toxin. If you grind a small portion with water and give it to a person who is infected with poison. It will cure him and save his life. With your blessings I will serve all selflessly. The king took the herb from the sage. He rested for some time in the hermitage and then returned to his city. The very next day the king made an announcement A hermit has favoured the king with an anti-toxin herb. Whoever suffers from any sort of poisoning may come and get cured.

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Rishidatta Next day there was a long queue of people suffering from poisoning. The king himself started grinding the herb in water and treating the patients. One day a snake bit the princess of Mangalavati, a neighbouring kingdom. On getting the news King Harishen came to Mangalavati. He put a few drops of the medicinal water in the mouth of the princess. O sage ! please save her life. 000 Sire! You are great You have given me a new life Soon the Uprincess will regain consciousness As the news spread, hundreds of patients from far and near poured in and the king was busy treating them. In no time the princess regained consciousness. All present there thanked King Harishen. The queen joined her palms and requested - One day king Harishen and queen Pritimati went for an outing. When the royal couple was resting under a tree on the bank of a river they saw a wild elephant approaching Sire ! We had declared that the princess will be married to the noble person who cures her of the poison. Oh ! A wild elephant! It may attack When Harishen gave his consent Pritimati was married to him with great pomp and show. The queen hid behind the king's back.

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Rishidatta The king lifted his bow and shot an arrow. Hiding behind trees, the royal couple ran into the jungle. SCHOOL The arrow pierced the forehead of the elephant and it fell dead on the spot. The king saw Oh! There is a herd of elephants following it. It seems that I killed the king male. If this herd gets mad and rushes at us it would be difficult to save ourselves. Run for life.c Series After a long run they saw a hermitage. On entering the hermitage they saw many hermits moving around. After greetings the king asked The royal couple approached the sage and paid homage. The sage opened his eyes. King Harishen ! You are welcome in the hermitage. Surprising ! How the sage knows my name? This is the hermitage of O Hermit! sage VishvaTo which sage does bhuti. He is this hermitage sitting under that belong? A mango tree.

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O king! You must be surprised, how I know your name. Believe me, nothing is hidden from the eyes of hermits. Isn't it a fact that you have come here straight from the jaws of death? The words of the sage enlightened the king O sage! I am filled with a feeling of detachment. Now I want to renounce the world and indulge in spiritual practices just like you. Rishidatta Indeed, it is true, O sage. We could not have saved ourselves had the elephant herd attacked us. My lord! I will also get initiated and take the path of selfupliftment. By this time the soldiers arrived there in search of the king. The king told them Return to the kingdom and tell the minister to Nook after the state. O king! Like a hunter, death chases living beings every moment. It had come in the form of an elephant just to warn you. 5 Becoming hermits we are taking the spiritual path.

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Rishidatta Hermit Pritimati said The royal couple got initiated and started spiritual practices. Some months later the queen's pregnancy became visible. Rishi Harishen asked What is the matter? Have you fallen from the spiritual path ? How will I show my face in this community of hermits ? Believe me, 0 ] sage, I have not fallen from the grace. I have been pregnant since our normal marital A days. onurnen 20 bobo Rishi Harishen told the facts to his guru Why didn't you tell me? Why conceal ? Had I told you then, you would have left me alone and got initiated. I was sure to be caught in the mundane trap. an What should we do now? Some hermits reproached Harishen When you had not disciplined your passion why did you embrace ignominy becoming a hermit? We will not live with a hypocrite like you. It would bring infamy to the hermitage as well.

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Sage Vishvabhuti said Er Rishidatta O sage! No one will believe even if you are true. It is better that we leave this hermitage and only you live here, All the hermits left that place. MAMMAN Now rishi Harishen alone took care of the child. She started growing. She played with the small rabbits and deers in the hermitage. Visitors asked 635 In due course hermit Pritimati gave birth to a baby girl. Soon after giving birth she died. Rishi Harishen took the child and uttered O sage! Who is this beautiful girl? What is her name? What a fate? Born to the wife of a hermit in a jungle and your mother, left you soon after giving birth. S She is the daughter of a hermit's wife. Her name is Rishidatta 03 She became famous as Rishidatta. Rishi Harishen gave her good education to make her a brilliant young woman. 7

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Rishidatta Once a marriage party of a prince passed that way and camped in the jungle to rest. In the evening the prince came to the hermitage. The sage was sitting on a white rock and meditating. Rishidatta was chanting mantras. The prince was enchanted by the melodious rendering of mantras. He looked with wonder at her natural beauty, Wow ! What a beauty. AMMA Om How radiant namo is her face ! namaya When the chanting was over, the prince got up, paid homage to the sage and introduced himself. Respectful greetings, O sage! Tam Kanakarath, the son of King Hemarath of Rathamardanapur. I am on my way to marry Rukmini, the princess of Kaberi. The sage remained silent. Kanakarath kept After some time he asked the sage on staring at Rishidatta. How pristine a O sage! Who beauty ? What a is this young sweet voice? She lady in the looks like a divine hermitage ? damsel. She is Rishidatta, the daughter of a sage. wwwjainelibrary.org

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The prince could not contain himself. He gathered courage and said O sage Am I lucky enough to be the life partner of this sagedaughter? Rishidatta I will pacify everyone. I promise you that if Rishidatta accepts me I will never give her any chance to be unhappy. But, prince, you are proceeding to marry the princess of Kaberi? Yes, but I am a bachelor at present. Who would like to drink water from a well when he gets the pure water of the Ganges? an 9 ensy For a Would this act of yours not annoy your parents? Moreover, the bride's parents are sure to be furious. Korz mn En ek wil kever The prince became adamant. At last the sage sought consent of Rishidatta and married her to the prince. AKUL www.jainelibrary.c

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Rishidatta When the marriage party returned to the kingdom with Rishidatta, everyone was surprised. The king said with apprehensionBut, father, Rishidatta Sire, celebrate the Prince ! You have sown is so virtuous and occasion now. seeds of animosity Whatever has modest that she can turn between two kingdoms happened is for through your an enemy into a friend. Her good. Goddess father, sage Harishen, has mulishness. Lakshmi has endowed her with knowl entered our house as a bride. edge of many subjects and skills as well as religion. There, in Kaberi, when king Kritabrahma got the news that prince Kanakarath has married al sage-daughter and has returned with the marriage party, he lost his temper How mean he is ! He has abandoned my daughter mid-stream. Now I will destroy Rathamardanapur. In her bridal dress Rukmini was waiting when her friends informed Oh ! My God! The bridegroom has turned back. On hearing this, the princess became unconscious. 10 Main Education International

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She started sobbing when she regained consciousness. Her mother said Don't worry darling, we'll find more handsome and brave prince for you. No, mother, that won't happen. I will either marry him or kill myself. The emissary returned and informed Lis CL Sire! Prince Kanakarath will not accept Rukmini, 00000 1000 Rishidatta King Kritabrahma sent an emissary to persuade Kanakarath for the marriage but the prince did not yield. Then Rishidatta intervened What can we do? Marriage is an agreement of minds. We cannot enforce it just by exchange of garlands. 11 kr But Kanakarath still refused. When Rukmini came to know of this she flared up with anger My lord! There are many queens in the palaces of kings. Please marry Rukmini. I have no objection. I take a vow to kill that Rishidatta who has snatched my groom from me. Gar C

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Rishidatta And she retired to her chamber-of-fury One day her maid came and etired to ner Chamber y informed and mumbled Rishidatta, you have shattered my dream. I will also turn you to dust. Princess ! A yogini named Sulasa has come to the town. She is expert in witchcraft. Go, bring her to my palace. She started making a new plan every day to take revenge on Rishidatta. The maid secretly brought the yogini into the palace. Offering a variety of gifts, the princess said Mother, please Daughter! Don't protect worry. With my me, power I can even pluck stars from the sky. Tell me what do you want? Rukmini said Rishidatta has snatched my husband. I want her to be dead and then marry Kanakarath: True magic is that which becomes self evident. You will see that Kanakarath himself will kill his wife and will come here to marry you. The princess gifted her golden ornaments to the yogini. 12

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Rishidatta Sulasa transformed herself into a bird and Coming to Rathamardanapur she killed a young flew in the sky. men with her spell. GIL GIL HOO.. DUDE BLAD AI Collecting his flesh and blood she came to Rishidatta's bedroom When Kanakarath got up during the night, he saw all this and was taken aback Yes ! Now I will see who saves you ? OhT What is this? She applied blood on Rishidatta's face and scattered lumps of flesh around the room. 13

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Rishidatta But he had so much love for and faith in his wife Next night the incident was repeated. that he did not even awake her. He took a damp Now the prince became alert. When the cloth and wiped her face - whole thing was repeated on the third No ! Not at all! My night also he trembled with fearwife cannot be a What is this cannibal. happening every night? He awoke Rishidatta What is this? You are the daughter of a sage and still a cannibal ? Each night I find your mouth wet with blood. This is going on for last three nights. Are you thirsty of human blood? JAU en What do you say, my lord?! I swear, I have not killed even an ant, what to say of a human being. I am sure this is an act of sorcery. COSS DDR My lord! I am innocent. I don't even know who is doing all this and why? STAT

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Rishidatta On the third day a group of town's people came to the court Minister! What goes on in the town ? The people feel terrorized and insecure. Sire ! This could be an act of sorcery by some wicked Kapalik.* Please order the arrest of all Avadhoots, Yogis, Kapaliks, and Aghoris.** Sire ! On the main crossing in the city every day a man is being killed. For last three days we find a mutilated corpse on the crossing each morning. The police went around the town and started rounding up all types of black magic practitioners. Sulasa Yogini scolded them To investigate the What high murders in the city we handedness have been ordered to is this? arrest all Kapaliks. Sulasa was brought into the court. Extending her trident she angrily addresses the king - Sire! While the mur-deress is in your own palace you are being high-handed with hermits and saints ? 15 *A Shaivite hermit practicing necromancy. ** Various sects of sorcerers.

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Rishidatta This brought a hush in the court. The king raised his The king went into his private chamber with voice the yogini. She said - Sire ! The truth is bitter. Sire ! Let your daughter in-law sleep alone in her Yogini ! Are That sinful man-eater room today. Don't allow you out of your sorceress hides the prince to meet her. I mind? in your palace. With will tell you everything my yogic powers I can tomorrow morning. see all her activities. I need privacy to tell Yogini! What you the details. nonsense is this ? Next morning the Yogini arrived in the court. In the crowded court she said The king gave strict orders. The prince was not allowed into the palace. Rishidatta was also afraid. After midnight, the Yogini put her into a trance induced sleep. Like previous nights she applied blood on Rishidatta's mouth and body. Sire ! Please call your daughter-inlaw in the court. The mystery will be solved. Ha! Ha! Now I will see how you save yourself? 16

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Rishidatta Maids went into the palace to call Rishidatta. They shrieked when they saw the terrifying scene. The king also came and saw Rishidatta lying in the bed fast asleep. There was blood on her face, nails, hands, and chest. Scattered all around were lumps of flesh. Oh ! No! My own daughter-in-law is a cannibal ! Sulasa withdrew her spell and Rishidatta came awake wide-eyed. The king gave an order Arrest this man-eater, take her to the cremation ground and burn her alive. But the king did not listen to her. The guards took her to the cremation ground. She thought It is the fruition of the sins of my past birth. Why blame anyone? DS Sire! I don't know how all this has happened? I am innocent. This appears to be a conspiracy hatched by some Kapalik. 17

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Rishidatta On the banks of a river the guards made a funeral Just then it started raining. A storm began of a pyre and lit it after seating Rishidatta on it. storm. Darkness descended. Strong winds uprooted trees. O God! Please pardon these guards whol have lit the funeral pyre. Run! It is a storm. It will create havoc. The guards ran away and the funeral pyre was extinguished. | Rishidatta got up from the pyre and went into the jungle. Wandering around, she arrived at the old hermitage of her father. Past memories engulfed her and she broke down O father! O sage! I suffer grave consequences of evil karmas. I never caused pain even to a small insect. Why then was I blamed for man slaughter? 100 TO SIC 18

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Rishidatta While weeping she fell asleep on the rock on which his sage father used to meditate. She saw a dream Father, patience Daughter, After one month is the only support your good time will return of my life. I am not Kanakarath himself will afraid of miseries, come to take you home I am worried only about the false honourably. Be patient blame. till then. Father, I have Daughter, don't worry. never caused any Afflictions are the real harm to any being, test of patience and reason. Why then I got Every being has to suffer caught in the web the consequences of of these his deeds. torments. The dream ended. Rishidatta was awake. See saw her father appear in the sky and bless her. She offered salutations Daughter, I endow you with a special power. You will be able to protect yourself by taking any desired form. Tathastu. (your wish is granted) Father! your blessing will protect me. 19

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At the other end, accomplishing her mission Sulasa Yogini returned to Kaberi and went to Rukmini's palace during the night Daughter! See how cleverly I have accomplished my mission. Blaming her to be a man-eater I sent her to the funeral pyre. This is not good. Rishidatta www 3164 Rukmini told him in details about Sulasa's conspiracy. King Kritabrahma trembled Great! mother you have removed my hurdle for ever. Your power is great. Rukmini saw her off after gifting a lot of wealth and other things. Leave it father. Now send an emissary to Rathamardanapur with my marriage proposal. Filled with joy, Rukmini came to her fatherFather! Have you heard? Rishidatta, the man-eater, has been burnt) on a funeral pyre. Is it ! How come? The very next day an emissary from Kaberi came to King Hemarath 20 Sire ! Was it proper to play with the life of the princess by rejecting her once all the preparations for her marriage were complete?

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I am 7. ML ashamed !! have indeed offended your king. Rishidatta It does not matter, sire. He went to Kanakarath and Nothing is lost if one I persuaded redeems a mistake Son! Why mourn so much committed. Please come to for that primitive. It was good Kaberi with the marriage party once again and that the warning came in time everything will be otherwise she would have alright. eaten our whole family. Father! Rishidatta was not like that. I am sure this was a conspiracy. It was some black magic by some sorceress: The king sent back the emissary with a promise. But in the end the king was able to persuade him to marry Rukmini. At an auspicious moment the marriage party left. He came to the hermitage hesitatingly and saw On the way was the same jungle where he was married to Rishidatta. Passing through that place What ? Who is this the prince thought young sage on the seat of sage Harishen ? In this hermitage He has a radiant and sage Harishen had charming personality. given his daughter to me. What will i tell him now? Qarca anoraan *

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Rishidatta Kanakarath approached the young hermit and Looking down, the prince said paid homage O hermit !1, prince O hermit! I am Kanakarath of Rathamardanapur, offers very sad. May god homage to you. spare others from the torments like I have suffered. Long live prince ! Why this wedding What dress ? Shappened? The prince started crying like a child. He then held the feet of the hermit Kanakarath narrated the story of Rishidatta and added I am sure that Rishidatta was absolutely innocent. It was the magic spun by some evil sorcerer. O hermit! How can I get my Rishidatta back? I cannot live without her. 22

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But where are you going now dressed as a bride-groom? Rishidatta My parents are Kanakarath added forcing me to marry Tam caught Rukmini. If I don't between devil and the deep agree they will burn sea. Please themselves on a advise me what funeral pyre. to do? Prince ! To obey your parents is your duty. You should marry Rukmini. But my Rishidatta 21 Don't worry. You will get her back one day. O hermit! I don't want this marriage. To spoil the life of a woman is a grave sin. Go and marry her. C 23

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Please accompany me. Your guidance has infused confidence in me. Rishidatta Next day Kanakarath arrived in Kaberi with the young 1 can come hermit. He was married to Rukmini with great pomp and show. with you only under one con- non dition. You will do as I say agree. Subs 2012 DO 9 2 During the night when Kanakarath was going to his bedroom he asked the hermit I would sit in meditation all night at your door in Where will order to protect you. you sleep? Kanakarath entered his bedroom. He sat on the bed gloomily. In her bridal attire Rukmini came and stood before him but Kanakarath did not even look at her. She came near and asked My lord ! On this honeymoon night why this shadow of gloom on your face? Nothing important. I am just tired! 93 29 24 *

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Rishidatta Do you still miss Rishidatta? She has left this world but not my heart. Indeed, that primitive was a witch. She has cast a spell on you. The prince looked at the cunning eyes of Rukmini and said Yes, that was It was me and what was ordained not fate that It is nobody's got rid of her fault. ordained OO Kanakarath was shocked at these words. But hiding his feelings he praised Rukmini Rukmini narrated the story of Sulasa Yogini's sorcery and added She deprived me of my husband and I deprived her of her life. Isn't that a suitable rejoinder. You are great What miracle did you do? 25

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Rishidatta Kanakarath was enraged on hearing the story. He took out his sword Witch! Killer! Fraud! It is you who is a cannibal, not her, I will at once reveal your deceit before all. The murderess of my Rishidatta ! I will not let you live to see another day. Help! Help! Someone save me. The prince caught Rukmini's hair and dragged her to the door. He opened the door. The hermit scolded him Prince! What are you doing? Killing a woman is a great sin. Leave her. She is your wife. No. She is a killer. She put a blame on my Rishidatta and got her killed. I will not let her live today. 26 Hearing the noise, the hermit sitting outside the door got up and knocked Prince! Please open the door. What is this noise? The young hermit stood between the two As you say, O hermit. On your command I forgive her. But as I am guilty of a crime against Rishidatta, I will burn myself to death today. Prince You, had promised not to defy my advice. I tell you to forgive Rukmini. Co

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Rishidatta Price ! Be composed, Rishidatta is not dead. She is alive. What? Is she alive? Tell me where is she? How can ! meet her? No ! That is not possible, prince. Now I cannot live without Rishidatta. I will always feel guilt. Rukmini fell at the feet of the hermit (Hearing all this noise king Kritabrahma and many others came there and witnessed the proceedings from a distance. The hermit asked Rukmini O hermit !! committed this grave sin out of revenge. Indeed, Rishidatta was innocent and pure. Sister Rukmini! If Rishidatta comes here will you pardon her? 27

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Alright. You all wait, I will soon send her. But I will not return now. No. Please don't do that. You also come back with her. Just after few minutes Rishidatta entered smiling. Everyone was astounded What? Rishidatta has come! My Rishidatta has, indeed, come 10X0 Rishidatta rrry The hermit left and soon faded away from the view. Rukmini embraced her. Rishidatta responded with the same zeal Sister! Please forgive me. Blinded by my selfishness I caused you pain. That is not possible. To gain one, you have to leave another. 28 eve No. It was not your doing. It all came as a consequence of sinful deeds of my past birth.

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King Kritabrahma, the queen and others came and sought forgiveness from Kanakarath Rishidatta said to all1 request you all to forget what happened in the past. Let us start afresh since this, moment. DOW They uttered in unison Good fortune always protects. Rishidatta Prince, what Rukmini did was a grave crime. Kindly pardon her. 424100 000000 Then they begged Rishidatta's pardon Daughter, you are great and pious. Please forgive No one can kill him who has accumulated meritorious karmas. 29 your younger sister.

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Rishidatta told her story and then Kanakarath returned to his kingdom with his two wives. When king Hemarath heard the story he repented for what he did 90 Or Rishidatta DOG The parents-in-law sought Rishidatta's pardon and she said There is no fault of yours. The fault lies with my own karmas. The happiness or sorrow of a being are consequences of one's own karmas. Therefore, we should resolve to avoid misdeeds and always strives for indulgence in good deeds in life, King Hemarath gave the kingdom to Kanakarath and took the spiritual path by becoming an ascetic. In due course Kanakarath and Rishidatta also followed the same path when their sons were old enough to look after the kingdom. I committed a grave misdeed thoughtlessly. 30

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. Rishidatta Once a Scholarly acharya named Dharmavijaya came to Rathamardanapur. Rishidatta, along with the royal family, went to attend the discourse. After that she asked the ascetic -- "Munivar! I did not commit any sin in this life. In spite of being innocent I got the blame of being a cannibal and got the death sentence. What sin caused this? The sagacious ascetic explained - "Lady! The happiness and misery in life are not without a cause. They are consequences of karmas acquired during this or the earlier births. The blame you attracted came as a consequence of the deeds of your past life. On further query by Rishidatta, the ascetic said You were Gangasena, the daughter of the king of Gangapur city in Bharat area. By the time you completed your education you acquired proficiency in many arts. Daughter, Now your education is complete. In her youthful age Gangasena took the vow of celibacy and indulged in spiritual practices. She became famous and people from far and near came to pay her homage. Once a mendicant woman named Sangama came to the town. Her austerities and detachment became talk of the town. Everyone started praising mendicant Sangama. The fame of princes Gangasena faded. I will devote my life to spiritual practices and public service. People have started forgetting me because of Sangama. Something should be done to bring about her downfall. 000 POO09 AAAAAA 31

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RISHIDATTA Her shrinking influence made the princess jealous towards mendicant Sangama. She started conspiring to insult her and tarnish her image. Inspired by this growing jealousy the princess made a plan and successfully blamed Sangama for being a meat-eating and wine consuming witch. Plagued by this Sangama was also filled with animosity towards the princess, who was pleased with her success. After death Gangasena reincarnated as Rishidatta, the daughter of King Harishen and queen Pritimati of Tambavati. The king and the queen became hermits and lived in a hermitage where Pritimati died after childbirth. Sage Harishen brought up the daughter. Being the daughter of a sage she became famous as Rishidatta. Mendicant Sangama died with feelings of revenge and reincarnated as Sulasa Yogini. She took revenge on Rishidatta for her misdeeds of the past birth. Apparently Sulasa put blame of being a man-eater on Rishidatta but in fact it was just a consequence of the misdeed of the past birth. Hearing about her past birth Rishidatta attained Jati-smaran Jnana. She renounced the world and indulged in spiritual practices to seek liberation. THE MORAL Out of recklessness man indulges in misdeeds but when he suffers the consequences he cries and laments.

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THE SEVEN HELLS IN THE LOWER WORLD In this fourteen Rajju high Loka the lower seven Rajju area is called lower world. Here, above and below the Ratnaprabha hell, leaving a gap of one thousand yojans there are millions of abodes of Bhavan-vasi gods. It is called Ratnaprabha because it is radiant with the glow of a variety of gems (ratna). Below this is a layer of frozen water (ghanodadhi) below which there is a layer of dense air (ghanovat) followed by that of thin air (tanuvat). After this there is hollow space. Under this are Sharkaraprabha and other hells. Starting from Ratnaprabha, arranging hells named Sharkaraprabha, Balukaprabha, Pankaprabha, Dhoomprabha, Tamah-prabha, and Tamastamah-prabha in ascending sequential order is called Adholoka kshetra-purvanupurvi, Arranging hells from Tamastamahprabha to Ratnaprabha in reverse order is called Adholoka kshetra-parshchanupurvi. -Anuyog-dvar Sutra-164

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Ratnaprabha 180000 (Thickness in Yojanas) Sharkaraprabha 132000 (Thickness in Yojanas) Balukaprabha 128000 (Thickness in Yojanas) Pank Prabha 120000 (Thickness in Yojanas) Dhoom Prabha 118000 (Thickness in Yojanas) Tama Prabha 116000 (Thickness in Yojanas) Tamastma Prabha 105000 (Thickness in Yojanas) THE SEVEN HELLS IN THE LOWER WORLD (See Details Overleaf) Picture leken from Illustrated Anuyorudvar Sutra. EDITOR: Up Prawartak Shri Amar Mon