Jain Journal 1971 10

SR No.: 520024
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1971
Total Pages: 45
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 40

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king Srenika while holding his court called in some of his personal attendants and said; 'Go and thus address the proprietors of all the rest houses, gardens, schools, abodes, temples, halls, places of distribution of food and water, market-places, lime-kilns, bazars, wood-depots, factories and workshops surrounding the city of Rajagrha-it is the order of the king Bimbisara, that, whenever Lord Mahavira arrives in this city, you should offer him food and shelter and inform him immediately about his arrival.' The attendants carried out his orders accordingly.
JAIN JOURNAL
"One day Lord Mahavira arrived in Rajagrha. Proprietors of rest-houses, etc., came to the king Srenika and said: 'O king, To see whom you are so very anxious, and whose name gladens your heart so much, he, the Sramana Lord Mahavira, has arrived and is staying at Gunasila caitya.
"Srenika was very happy and content to hear this. Getting up from his throne and walking a few paces in the direction of Gunasila caitya he bowed down and returned to his throne. After having rewarded the proprietors, etc., he called the heads of his army ordered them to make ready the fourfold retinue and charriot used for religious purposes.
"Having done this he went to the queen Celana and said: "O Beloved of the gods, visiting the omniscient Lord is a great blessing. Let us therefore, go and bow to him, revere him, welcome him and pay our respects to him. Lord Mahavira is blessed, consecrated, god of gods and omniscient. Let us go and worship him. Worshipping him would be blessing for us for happiness and welfare in this life, the next and all the subsequent cycles of life and achieving emancipation." Hearing this Celana became glad and happy.
"Celana completed her ablution, put on costly clothes and ornaments and rode the charriot and sat by the side of Srenika. In due course they arrived at Gunasila caitya. Standing before the Lord Celana venerated him with folded hands, inquired about his well-being. Then presenting Srenika, she busied herself with his worship.
"Mahavira preached. Congregation dispersed. Observing the divine like affluence of Srenika some of the monks thought: 'Blessed is Srenika to have Celana as his queen and Magadha as his kingdom. If our austerities are fruitful, then we shall enjoy such delightful pleasures in next life.' Observing the divine splendour of the queen Celana some of the nuns desired similar pleasures.