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Abhaya was extremely handsome. He was proficient in the policies of Sama, Dama, Danda, Bheda, Pradan, and Vyapar. He was skilled in Iha, Apoha, Margana, Gaveshana, and Arthashastra. He was endowed with all four types of intelligence. He was a true advisor for every act of the Shrenikan emperor. He was the one who would bear the burden of the state. He took good care of the state (governance), nation (country), treasury, granary (food storehouse), army, vehicles, city, and inner palace. 56
Abhayakumar was the appointed minister of King Shrenikan. 57 He would solve even the most complex problems in a moment with his sharp intellect. He had fulfilled the wishes of Meghakumar's mother Dharini 58 and Kunik's mother Chelna 59 with his sharp intellect. He had also happily arranged the marriage of his younger mother Chelna and Shrenikan. Many incidents of the wonders of his intelligence are recorded in Jain literature. He had freed Shrenikan from the severe political crisis of King Chandrapradyot of Ujjayini. 60
Abhayakumar knew very well that it is extremely difficult to embrace the Shraman Dharma. Once a Drumak (woodcutter) took Pravrajya from Ganadhar Sudharma. People ridiculed him. When Abhayakumar came to know about it, he had three piles of one crore gold coins each placed in a public place and announced that anyone who renounced women, fire, and conscious water for life could take these three crore gold coins. Everyone's mind was tempted by the sight of the gold coins, but no one came forward after hearing the condition. Abhayakumar said to all those critics - How great is the Drumak Muni, who has renounced women, fire, and conscious water for life. You are ridiculing him. Everyone was impressed by the great sacrifice of Drumak Muni and they came to know the importance of Shraman Dharma. 61
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According to Sutrakrutanga-Niyukti 62 and Trishashtisalakapurushcharitra 3, Abhayakumar had sent Ardhakumar as a Dharma-Upakarana gift, due to which he became enlightened and became a Shraman. 63 Only after coming in contact with Abhayakumar did the son of Kalashokar, the cruel butcher of Rajgriha, Sulaskumar, become a devout follower of Bhagwan Mahavira. 64 Many examples of Abhayakumar's religious spirit are highlighted in Jain literature. The storytellers say - Once Abhaya asked Bhagwan Mahavira a question - who will be the last king to attain Moksha? Bhagwan said - Udayan, the king of Vitabhaya, who has already accepted restraint near me. Hearing this, Abhaya thought to himself - If I become king, I will not be able to attain Moksha. Therefore, I should take initiation in my youth. He humbly requested Emperor Shrenikan to grant him permission. Shrenikan said - You are not yet old enough to take initiation. I am the one who is old enough to take initiation. You become king and enjoy the
56. Jnatadharmakatha 1/1
57. Bharateshwar Bahubali, Vritti Patra 38
58. Jnatadharmakatha 1/1
59. Nirayavaliya 1
60. (a) Aavashyakachurni, Uttarardha, Patra 159, 163
(b) Trishashti 10-11-124 to 293
Dharmaratnaprakaran - Abhayakumar Katha 1/30
61.
62. Sutrakrutanganiryukti with commentary 1/6/136
63. Trishashti 10/7/177-179, Indian History: A Perspective, page 67
64. Yogashastra-Svopgyavritti - 1/30, page 91 to 95
Acharya Hemchandra
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