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fHoly Abu Vimala-Vasahi
With the format permission of Bhimadeva, Dhandhūka and his own elder brother minister Nedha, Vimala went to Mt. Ābu, and selected a site for the proposed temple. But the Brahmins of the locality assembled and approaching him said: “This is the site of a Hindu tirtha ( place of pilgrimage) and we cannot allow you to build a Jaina shrine here unless and until you produce us proofs attesting the existence here of an old Jaina shrine.”
Once again, Vimala practised a three-day-fast and invoked the goddess Ambikā. On the third night the goddess, appearing, asked him the purpose of this fresh call. Vimala gave a report of this sudden obstacle. Ambikādevi advised him to go back and dig under the shade of a Champaka-tree at the spot where he would find a svastika marked with saffron. Next morning Vimala invited several people (including the claimants of the site) and did as directed by the goddess Ambikā, whereupon, lo! an image of a Jaina Tirthankara was discovered in the excavation, to the surprise of all the people gathered there. Thus was provided the necessary evidence showing that it was a Jaina site in times of old. 1 But the Brahmins insistname or fame, nor is such a thing expected to happen in future. Besides, the son may be either worthy or otherwise. In the latter alternative he would spoil the good name of his ancestors. I would, therefore, request you to the choose the other boon, namely, erecting a temple of god, which would be conducive to happiness hereafter and final emancipation.” Vimala became very happy at this spontaneous reply of his wife and next night obtained the boon accordingly.
1 It is said that this image was installed by Vimala in a simple cell temporarily built for the purpose before his new shrine was erected. It is supposed that this is the same as cell 20 of the Vimala Vasahi, where a big seated image of a
| SR No. | 023259 |
| Book Title | Holy Abu |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Jayantvijay |
| Publisher | Yashovijay Jain Granthmala |
| Publication Year | 1954 |
| Total Pages | 380 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 14 MB |