Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 123

Prelude
103
tirthankaras, but nevertheless her story is well known and certain sanctuaries are dedicated to her.29
C - Neminátha and Rajimati
The story of Rājimati is linked with that of the twenty-second tirtharikara Aristanemi or Neminātha who, according to tradition, was perhaps the cousin of Lord Krşņa.30
Princess Rājimati, daughter of King Ugrasena of Mathură, was already joyfully making preparations for her marriage to Prince Aristanemi, son of King Samudravijaya of the city of Soriyapura,31 when she learned that her future husband, at the sight of the large number of animals about to be slaughtered for the marriage-feast, had been so filled with compassion at the prospect of such cruelty towards so many living beings and so convinced that this sin would bring him no happiness in the other world that, laying aside his jewels and his princely garb, he chose the way of renunciation.32 The young princess was much agitated and smitten with grief.
29 For example, one of the chief sanctuaries of Girinagara in Saurāșțra; cf. U.P. Shah, 1955, p. 27.
30 Among the numerous disciples of Neminātha, the eight chief spouses of Krşņa are mentioned; cf. Sths 626. The story of Krşņa has, it seems, been taken into the Jaina tradition at a very early date, which fact causes the personages of the story to be regarded as followers of the Jaina dharma: cf. Harivamśapuräna of Jinasena at the end of the VIIIth c. (This Jinasena is not the same as the author of the Adipurāņa; cf. Winternitz, 1977, p. 499.)
31 In the vicinity of Agară; cf. PPN, pp. 869-870.
32 Cf. US XXII, 9-20. At Mt Abū there is to be seen in the temple of Tejpala, sculptured in marble, a scene representing Ariştanemi and a crowd of guests proceeding to the wedding; cf. Agrawala, 1976, fig. 81, p.77.