Kathakoca or Treasury of Stories

SR No.: 016059
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: C H Tawney
Publisher: Oriental Books Reprint Corporation New Delhi
Publication Year: 1975
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Dictionary & Dictionary
File Size: 15 MB

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your wife, Davadantí. Because in a former life you gave a gift to a hermit, and became a lay disciple, by way of fruit of that merit, divinity and kingship have fallen to your lot. And this Davadantí also became your wife owing to the power of that religious observance. Because, Davadanti, in a former life you worshipped the twenty-four Jinas on the Ashtápada mountain, and gave them forehead-marks made of jewels--owing, I say, to the influence of that pious act, you were born with a natural mark on your forehead resembling the disc of the sun. Because in a former birth you two separated the hermit for twelve hours from his caravan, therefore you have both been deprived of your kingdom for twelve years.' When Nala had heard this, being inclined to renunciation, he placed on his throne his son named Pushpala, and, accompanied by Davadantí, he took the yows in the presence of the teacher. Then he began to read the books of the sacred canon and to endure severe ordeals. Then, one day, Nala was so influenced by his previous actions that he wished to return to the married state. Thereupon he was abandoned by his spiritual teacher. The god Nishada came and admonished him. Being unable to keep his vow, Nala starved himself. Davadantí also had recourse to starvation. Nala died and became Kuvera; Davadantí died and became his wife. They have obtained the position of low deities because they inflicted some pain. Both of them will consume their actions, and will in due course attain salvation. Here ends the story of Nala concerning gambling.*
1. The story of Dhanada, having reference to the worship of him who is free from passion. 2. The story of Devapála, having reference to the worship of the gods. 3. The story of the two rishis in Kuņálá, having reference to anger. 4. The story of the hermit Samvara, having reference to anger. 5. The story of the merchant Açoka, having reference to covetousness. 6. The story of Pundaríka and Kundaríka
* What follows is found in the Sanskrit College MS. only. The list of stories appears to be incorrect.