Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 2 Vibhag 2

SR No.: 008003
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 802
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 20 MB

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records that Ujjain was under the subjection of Magadhas and Ashoka when young in age was deputed as a Governor of Ujjain, What happened in the intervening period remains unknown. The Bauddha books conform the above.
In addition to above facts Bauddha books inform, us that Devdatta, a cousin of Lord Buddha who had initiated himself several years before, had later dissented from Lord Buddha's fold and had started his own faith during Lord Buddha's life--time. It is borne out by Buddha Literature that Ajatshatru a Yuvraj then had supported Devadatta, Buddha's rival. At about this time, this Yuvraj was crowned by Bimbisar and it was then that Devdatta had incited Ajatshatru to effect the murder of the King. Accordingly, the King was slowly tortured and famished to death just eight years before Buddha's Nirvana. He felt much compunction at heart and went to Buddha and brought him for exhortation regarding the benefits of being his follower, but no where it is recorded that he became a staunch adherent of Buddha faith, and nothing stands testimony to the fact that he led his life strictly according to the Bauddha tenets. There is no where anything to show that he had given any physical support to Buddha faith during Buddha's life. Despite this, it is shown that at Buddha's Nirvāṇa he laid a claim to some of Buddha's remnants after Nirvana posing himself as a Kshatriya. This he had secured and he had raised a monument over it.
Such narration as above, is not found in Buddha's Ancient Books but subsequent literature shows that he had erected a big hall near the entrance to Sattafanni cave when an assembly of Rajgriha was convened just after Buddha's Redemption. It is probable that he patronised Buddha faith without being a staunch adherent as was the practice with Hindu rulers of the age
Moreover, Bauddha literature takes the ruler of Sursena as Avantiputra as with other rulers. Another king named Alehiya is also considered as an adherent and patron of Bauddha faith.