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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Avantikā, and other markets for selling. In the same way male slaves were also auctioned. Kings and affluent families bought these slaves. Female slaves were used for carnal pleasures and male slaves for manual labour and they all were treated like animals. In yajñas these slaves were offered as gifts to sages.
Candanabālā, the youngest daughter of king Ceṭaka of Vaiśālī was one day enjoying a ride in a swing in the garden with her friend. A Vidyadhara (a species of gods) saw her, abducted her, and took her in his celestial vehicle (vimāna). After this she was sold many a time but her chastity was not violated. No one could gather the courage to do so. At last she was brought for sale to the market in Kauśāmbī. A religious merchant named Vṛṣabhadāsa saw her when he came out of a Jina temple. He at once realized that she was from some upper caste cultured family and ill fate was responsible for this predicament. With compassion he bought her and brought her home. He told his wife, "We are unlucky not to have any child. Fortune has blessed us with this beautiful girl. We will accept her as our daughter. Please take proper care of her.
The merchant treated her like daughter and took care of all her. needs but his wife was of doubting nature. She found the behaviour of her husband dubious. She felt as if her husband had placed a snake on her head. She became jealous of Candanā. One day the merchant had to go out of town on some business. Before going he once again asked his wife to take proper care of their adopted daughter. But as soon as the merchant left the suppressed jealousy of his wife surfaced. She took scissors and cut the long hair of Candanā to mar her beauty. After that she shackled her and put her into a dark cellar. In an earthen bowl she gave her Kodo rice (A type of grain) mixed with coarse.
Around that time Bhagavana Mahāvīra came to Kausambi, the capital of Vatsa State. He came near the gate of the merchant's house. When Candana saw Bhagavāna coming to seek alms she was filled with joy and devotion. She forgot her wretched condition and that she had nothing suitable to offer to Bhagavana who was venerated in the three worlds. She was eager to offer the sublime piety and devotion at Bhagavana's feet. Tears of joy flowed from her eyes. She stepped ahead to offer the stale rice she had in the earthen pot to Bhagavāna. With the miraculous influence of Bhagavana her shackles were broken,
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