Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
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

Page 424

406 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE discussed the matter with his minister Matisagara, who proposed to deceive the queen by a trick, so that she should think her longing fulfilled. Matisagara succeeded, and afterwards he showed the queen that no injury had been done to the King. But he advised her, when the child would be born it should be given to the minister who would see that it was brought up somewhere else without the knowledge of the King. But the plan is frustrated and the King entrusted the child to the nurses of his confidence. The boy was named Ananda and when he was grown up, Simha declared him the heir-apparent; Ananda however entertained, as a result of his nidana, intense hatred against his father (101-108). Once, one of the King's vassals, Durmati by name, revolted. The King marched against the rebel. After three marches, he reached the bank of Indus, where he witnessed a curious scene : a snake devouring a frog, was being devoured by an osprey, which itself was being devoured by a boa. Reflecting on this incident he made up his mind to turn an ascetic. Next day Durmati came and implored the King's forgiveness which was granted (109-114). The King returned to Jayapura, informed his ministers of his resolution, and got their assent. A day was fixed for installing prince Ananda on the throne. Everything was made ready for the coronation (114-116). Ananda, however, conspired with Durmati to kill the King. When the King went to meet him, Ananda regarding it a splendid opportunity to execute his plan, suddenly drew his sword and wounded the King severely. The troops came to his rescue. The King however asked them to spare Ananda as he himself was to die very soon, and appoint him King. Then Ananda ordered Durmati to take the King prisoner and put him in a most horrid dungeon. There his queens met him and bewailed his cruel lot. The King however exhorted them to renounce the world which they did (116-121). The King resolved to starve himself to death. Ananda sent one of his noblemen to pursuade the King to take food. But the King was firm (121-123). Now Ananda rushed in and threatened Simha that it would cost his head, if he refused to take food. But Simha remained firm in his resolve; and he declared in many fine sentences, that it is foolish to be afraid of death. Thereupon Ananda wounded him with a sword and finished him to death. Simha became a god and Ananda a denizen of hell in their next birth. The Title of the Dharmakatha Nowhere Haribhadra refers to his work as Samaraiccakaha. In the introduction (Bhumika) he styles it as 'Cariyam samaraiccassa' and Cariyakaham.