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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Hémādi seized the opportunity and begged for a piece of land for erecting an excellent Jaina temple. His request was granted without the slightest hesitation. The Minister Péthad, on his part, selected a suitable site and the foundation work was commenced. As soon as it was dug some ten cubits deep, water sprang forth from beneath-so sweet as could not be had from any well or tank in Dévagiri. The Brahmins, who were naturally against this scheme but who could not harass Péthad, as the latter had full support of both the king as well as the minister, were waiting for an opportunity. Instantly they approached the King, reported the matter to him and entreated him to construct a tank at the spot, so that merit would be incurred by him as people of all classes would be pleased to drink the excellent water. The King asked them to wait till the next morning when he would himself inspect the place. Anyhow Péthad came to know of this and having brought hundreds of bags of salt during the very same night, he dissolved it in water. As a result, the King found the water salty in the morning and severly upbraided the poor Brahmins for being jealous of the minister. Pėthad costructed a huge temple there and installed in it a majestic image of Sri Virajina, 83 fingers in height
In spite of plentiful wealth, authority, and other factors of worldly pleasures, the minister's faith in piety was growing so stronger day by day that he would not miss a single chance of religious vows or austerities or even muttering of prayers. Thus, he took to celibacy just in the prime of his life, when he was only thirty-two. It is not an easy task to win over all passions even in the viscinity of all sorts of means to pleasures. It is worth recording under what circumstances and with what a strong faith, he accepted the vow of celibacy.
A votary of Támravati, Bhima by name, who had abstained from victuals for twelve years as a sign of mourning at the demise of śri Dévèndra Sûri, sent an excellent yellow garment