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, सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
GIGYT 378
[124]
DWADASH ADHYAYAN :
HARIKESHIYA
Foreview
The title of this chapter is derived from the name of its principal character Harikeshbala.
In the preceding chapter the glory of accomplished scholarly ascetics (bahushrut) has been described. In this chapter the glory and powerful magnetism of the accomplished scholarly ascetic Harikesh-bala, who strictly followed the duties of a Shraman (Jain ascetic), has been narrated in a lucid and exciting style.
It is natural to have curiosity about ascetic Harikesh-bala's birth in a chandaal (untouchable low caste; keeper of cremation ground) family, important events of his past birth and this birth, initiation into ascetic order and strict observation of the code of conduct. Moreover, it is also necessary to know about all such incidents in order to appreciate his lofty spiritual level. The Story
Briefly speaking, the important incidents in ascetic Harikesh-bala's life are as follows
King Shankha, the king of Mathura city got detached from his mundane life. He did rigorous austerities. As a result he acquired many boons and special powers.
Wandering from one village to another, he arrived in Hastinapur and went into the city to seek alms. There were two roads into the city. When he saw no movement on one of these roads, ascetic Shankha hesitated. He saw a man sitting outside a house and asked about the way into the city.
That person was Brahmin Somdutt. He was proud of his clan and averse to shramans. As such, he pointed at the wrong path and said,"This is a short cut. You will reach the city in no time.”
The austere ascetic took that very path.
The fact was that this road was called Hutashan or Hutavaha-rathya (Fiery road). It was always hot like fire and was difficult to walk on. During the summer months it simmered like a red hot griddle.
Somdutt had pointed out this path to ascetic Shankha due to his hatred for sages. However, he was amazed when he saw the ascetic saunter peacefully on that road like an elephant. In order to check he himself walked on that road and found the path to be as
| SR No. | 002494 |
| Book Title | Agam 30 mool 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Sthanakvasi |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Amarmuni |
| Publisher | Padma Prakashan |
| Publication Year | 2011 |
| Total Pages | 726 |
| Language | Hindi, Prakrit, Sanskrit |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari & agam_uttaradhyayan |
| File Size | 28 MB |