Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5

SR No.: 008006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 616
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 14 MB

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Brahmins are ever victorious ! I don't think there are men of such prowess in any other Darśana !" Hearing this, the minister told the king of the worderful prowess of Manatunga Sūri. The king told him to invite him. Then Manatunga Sūri was requested and consequently he came to the court. The king described to him the powers of Bāņa and Mayura and requested him to show them miracle if at all he had any prowess of such sort. Sūriji replied, "We have no anxiety of sons and daughters; nor are we at all desirous of wealth or corn, so that we may have to flatter kings!! But to do Sasaṇa-prabhāvanā' is our duty!" The king at once ordered to put fetters on all over his body and to prison him in a dark dungeon. As soon as the order was issued it was carrid out: he was bound by an iron fetter made of 44 chains and was pushed in a dungeon where there was nothing but thick darkness.
But to Mana-tunga Süri thus was but a trifling thing.
With perfect concentration he began to compose one by one the verses of "Bhaktamara Stora." As he began to utter verses, the chain also was one by one broken. At last, when he finished the last-44th-verse even the last one was broken to pieces and the doors of the prison were opened. Sūriji came out, went before the king, and offered blessings to him. The king praised his prowess fully, and added, "Bāņa and Mayura are also scholars but they are vain and envy each-other. You are complely free from all such vices. I am greatly satisfied to get this opportunity to see such a great soul like you." Guruji advised him to keep firm faith in Jana-Dharma, and left the place. "Bhaktāmara Stotra," composed by Māntunga Sūri, is up to this day very well known.
Due to the influence of former deeds Guruji got deliriumdisease. He prayed to Dharanéndra and asked his permission to fast. Dharapéndra appearing before him, said, "Still your life-time is not ended. Besides, you are going to be the redee mer of many people! So, give up the idea of fasting (anasana")."