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[Fifth Chapter]
[95 Discussion - In the previous sutras, Lord Krishna Vasudeva asks Arishta-nemi about his death and where and in what situation he will be reborn. He then makes a religious declaration. In response to his question, Lord Arishta-nemi reveals that Krishna will be born on Earth for the third time and will become the 12th Tirthankara named Amma in the future cycle of 24 Tirthankaras.
Krishna is called Krishna Vasudeva. According to grammar, the word Vasudeva means "Vasudevasya apatyam puman Vasudevah." The son of Vasudeva is called Vasudeva. Krishna's father's name was Vasudeva, hence he is called Vasudeva. The word Vasudeva is generally used to refer to Krishna - it is another name for Krishna. However, even though the above meaning of Vasudeva is accepted, this word has become a technical term in Jain philosophy. Therefore, all Ardhachakravartis are called by the word Vasudeva. In Jain tradition, nine Vasudevas are mentioned - 1. Tripṛṣṭha, 2. Dviprṣṭha, 3. Svayambhū, 4. Puruṣottama, 5. Puruṣasiṃha, 6. Puruṣa-puṇḍarīka, 7. Datta, 8. Nārāyaṇa (Lakṣmaṇa), 9. Kṛṣṇa. Krishna is the last in this list. The technical meaning of Vasudeva is - one who is the lord of three of the six continents and seven jewels, and who is endowed with many kinds of riches. From the Jain perspective, Vasudevas conquer and kill their counter-parts (Prativa-Vasudeva) and rule over three continents. In addition, Jain tradition considers Vasudeva to be one of the 28 attainments. The one who is the master of three continents and seven jewels is called Vasudeva, and attaining this position is the Vasudeva attainment. Vasudevas have great strength. Describing this strength by way of analogy, Jain Acharyas say - If a Vasudeva sitting on the edge of a well and eating is bound with chains and sixteen thousand kings with their entire armies try to pull him, they will not be able to pull him. But if the Vasudeva holds the same chain in his left hand and pulls it towards himself, he can easily pull them.
The Krishna mentioned in the Jain Agamas is such a Vasudeva, endowed with the Vasudeva attainment. The Antagad Sutra describes a Vasudeva Krishna. In the literature of Sanatana Dharma, the Jain interpretation of the word Vasudeva is not found. There is no mention in Vedic literature of Vasudeva being a specific title or attainment.
It is clear from the Antagad Sutra and other Agamas that Vasudeva Krishna was a devoted follower and devotee of Lord Arishta-nemi. This is why when the Lord arrived in Dwaraka, he was present in his service with great pomp and ceremony, taking his family along, and listening to his sermons. Hearing about the burning of Dwaraka from the Lord, he was distressed because he could not be initiated by the Lord himself. He praises the princes like Jalikumar, etc., for being initiated and becoming self-liberated. All these things prove that Vasudeva Krishna was a follower of Lord Arishta-nemi. He supported those who walked on his path, and even though he was not capable, he desired to walk on that path himself. In short, Maharaja Krishna was a Jain.
The six sons of Seth Naga, a resident of Bhaddilpur, who were initiated at the feet of Lord Arishta-nemi, were the maternal uncles of Vasudeva Krishna. Gajasukumar was the younger brother of Vasudeva Krishna. Thus, these seven brothers of Maharaja Krishna became Jain monks at the feet of Lord Arishta-nemi.
Jalikumar, Mayalikumar, Upayalikumar, Purusha-sena-kumar and Varisha-sena-kumar - these five princes