Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

SR No.: 001605
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Culture
File Size: 21 MB

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mythological and historical incidents. Neminātha, Śrīkrsna and Balarāma had close connections with this city.
During the period of Bhagavāna Mahāvīra, Candanabālā, the younger daughter of Cetaka, the president of Vaiśālī republic, was kidnapped and brought here to be sold as a slave. It was here that she offered Bāklā (lumps of husk of green gram) as alms to Bhagavāna Mahāvīra and her shackles got shattered. Later she got initiated by Bhagavāna Mahāvīra and became the chief of the āryikās in his religious organization.
During this period King Udayana, who is said to be the eighteenth descendant in the lineage of Arjuna, ruled Kausāmbi. He had married many women. He also had a love marriage with Vāsavadattā the daughter of King Candapradyota of Ujjayinī. This love story has been a popular subject of many Sanskrit epics and plays. Udayana was a brave warrior as well as an accomplished musician. When he played his Manjughoşā Vīņā, animals and birds came drawn by its sweet melody. He was a devotee of Bhagavāna Mahāvīra and became an ascetic during the later part of his life.
During Udayana's period Kausāmbī was an important business center with alround affluence. It had business dealings with faraway countries through land and water routs. Historians call Kaušāmbī of that period the Manchester of India. But ravages of time took its toll and this rich city has been reduced to ruins.
Another name of Pabhausā was Pabhāsa Giri. In ancient times it was the green belt outside Kaušāmbī city. Padmaprabha got initiated here only. He even attained omniscience here. It is a small hill on the banks of river Jamuna. It is six miles away from Kausāmbī on the river-way. Boats for this place are available at Kosam.
In ancient times it was an important Jain center. There was an old temple on the hill. It is said that there was also a Māna-stambha (freestanding pillar-standard crowned by Jina images). The office (gaddi) of Bhattāraka Arjit Kirti was also there. There were many Digambara temples at the foot of the hill. Once lightning struck here and damaged the temples and other structures in the year 1825 V. Then in 1881 an image of Padmaprabha was installed here with due ceremony at
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