Page Text
________________ THE STORY OF KING VASU IN JAIN LITERATURE 153 Now, Vimalasuri relates the story of the king Vasu in the context of the origin of (Vedic) sacrifice. Ajita was the king of Ayodhya and Vasukumara was his son. Ksirakadamba was the priest (of the king). His wife's name was Svastimati and their son's name was Parvataka. This Parvataka and Narada, a young Brahmana (and prince Vasu) were the disciples of Ksirakadamba. One day he was expounding the teachings of the Aranyaka scriptures to his disciples when a kind-hearted monk, flying in the sky, out of compassion said "One of these four would go to hell." The priest heard this remark and felt frightened. He dismissed his disciples. Parvataka went home but the priest didn't. His wife felt very anxious. Next day Parvataka went out in his search; and he found him turned a monk. Svastimats was deeply grieved to hear this. Then Narada learning about the pathetic condition of Svastimati went to her and consoled her. At that time king Ajita (Jitari) placing Prince Vasu on his throne, himself turned a monk. Vasu's was a divine crystal throne. Once there arose a dispute between Parvataka and Narada regarding the interpretation of the word 'aja' in the text 'ajesu janno kayavvo'. Sacrifices should be made with ajas. Parvataka interpreted the word to mean 'aja pasu' a goat whereas Narada interpreted it to mean 'avijja (abijah) yavadikankuraparimuktah' grains three year old-that are sterile, infertile, unproductive. Both of them agreed that they should request their classmate Prince Vasu to act as umpire, and accepting his decision as final. Parvataka sent his mother to Prince Vasu to exert influence on him for announcing a decision in his favour. Next day Parvataka and Narada accompanied by people went to Vasu. Narada said to Vasu "O king Vasu, you are known as truth speaker-for the speaking of truth (satyavadin); So declare what was the interpretation according to our teacher Ksirakadamba". Vasu declared that Parvataka's interpretation was the right one. As soon as he made this false declaration Vasu, as he was seated on his crystal throne, went down (below the surface of the earth) --Vasu for his falsehood and support to killing of goats in sacrifices was born in the lowest seventh hell-the darkest one and the source of terrible tortures. People condemned Parvataka and Vasu as liars and honoured Narada then and there (as satyavadin). Condemned by people wicked Parvataka practised austerities and after death he was born as a raksasa. Remembering his former birth (as Parvataka) and condemnation by people he assumed the form of a Brahmana. Wearing sacred thread, with an umbrella, a kamandalu (water-jar) and a rosary of beads he began to think of and preach the killing of animals in Vedic sacrifices. Following his teaching hermits and Brahmanas started performing animal sacrifices. In 'gomedha' sacrifice he recommended the drinking of liquor, illicit intercourse Stud.-20 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
| SR No. | 001868 |
| Book Title | Studies in Jain Literature |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | V M Kulkarni |
| Publisher | Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre |
| Publication Year | 2001 |
| Total Pages | 114 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Literature, & Story |
| File Size | 14 MB |