Jain Journal 1967 04

SR No.: 520006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1967
Total Pages: 104
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 6 MB

Page 82

APRIL, 1967
209
Sesadravika and a garden called Hastiyama. Once Mahavira was stationed here with his followers when Udaka, the son of Pedhala and a follower of Parsva, asked Gautama several questions. He was happy with the answers and became a follower of the Master. Nalanda worshipped Mahavira during the monsoons. Jali, Mayali and many other monks discarded their mortal frames through fasting on the Vipulacala.
35th year, pre-Vikrama 478-77
Moving through many a villages and towns and preaching his message, he reached Vanijyagrama near the capital of Videha. This was a commercial centre on the bank of the Gandaki. One of the wealthy Jaina merchants was Sudarsana. Mahavira revealed his previous identity. This revived his pre-birth memory and he could now see his previous births himself. Enkindled was his vairāgya (detachment) and the Master initiated him with his own hands.
One day Indrabhuti Gautama had gone in to Vanijyagrama for collecting alms. On his way back he heard that Ananda, a lay-follower of the Master, was fasting unto death at Kollaga lying on a grass-cushion. Gautama went to see him when they had talk on avadhi knowledge. But Gautama disbelieved him when he said that he had acquired avadihi knowledge. When Gautama returned to the shelter and enquired of the Master whether he had avadhi knowledge, Mahavira said he had and directed Gautama to go back and beg his forgiveness. Vaisali claimed the Master during the monsoons.
36th year, pre-Vikrama 477-76
Then he moved towards Kosala reaching Saketa, an important city of the kingdom. At this time, a non-Aryan king Kirata of Kotivarsa had come to Saketa in the company of a local merchant Jinadev search of costly gems and was living as the latter's guest. When king Kirata saw thousands moving to see the Master, he enquired of Jinadeva where these were going. Jinadeva said, "Your Majesty, today has come here a gem-merchant who is the owner of the most precious gems in the universe." Here the Lord gave his discourse on the tri-ratna-right vision, right knowledge and right conduct. Needless to add, King Kirata embraced the tri-ratna. On the return journey, Mahavira spent sometime at Kampilya in Pancala, moved towards Saurasena and passed through Mathura, Sauripura, Nandipura and many other cities ultimately coming back to Mithila where he spent the monsoons.