Treasury of Jain Tales

SR No.: 006762
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 1994
Total Pages: 468
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 60

2. MŪLADEVA
(A story, quite like that of Amrapāli in Buddhistic writings, tells of a virtuous courtesan who becomes in the company of a worthy man, a sincere devotee of the Jinas. The worthy man, a prince in disguise, is a hero in romantic tradition, accomplished enough to achieve success in love and adventure, and so deserves the fairest.)
-GSB
Muladeva, the young prince of Pataliputra, was a charming man, talented and accomplished, quite a lovable personality. But he was an inveterate gambler for which his father once severely scolded him. In a huff, the young man left the town and went out in search of his fortune elsewhere. Before that he took care to dodge all attempts at finding him out by transforming himself into a dwarf, through a magical medicine. He drifted his way to Ujjayini where he soon became immensely popular. He was known for his various talents and artistic skills. He was aware that in the same town lived an equally talented and beautiful courtesan called Devadatta and he was longing to meet her, but would not like to call on her uninvited. He knew her to be proud. He chose a house very close to hers and every morning she could hear his very pleasing singing. Once she sent one of her maids to find out who it was that sang so pleasingly and if possible invite him to her presence. After a brief hesitation, Múladeva agreed to visit her. The servant girl that had come to invite him was a humpback and Muladeva ran his hand on her back and look ! she was cured much to her surprise and also of her mistress. Devadatta was greatly impressed by Múladeva's conversation, wit and manners. She wondered whether he really