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Jambusvāmi, the last kevalin of the Jainas, is the least talked about "mahāmuni" or great saint among the patriarchs of the religious fraternity. The "Theravali", second section of the Kalpa-sutra, has allotted only two or three sentences for this saint.' But the celebrated Jaina scholar, Hemacandra has given a long and legendary account of the pre-ordained life of this great saint, in his famous book Parisistaparvan?
Mahāmuni Jambūsvāmī and Bengal
Chitta Ranjan Pal.
From the above-mentioned book, we come to know that Jambūsvāmī was the only son of Rṣabhadatta, a rich merchant in Rajagṛha. Though he was brought up in wealth and luxury, he had evinced a great dislike for marriage from his early youth.
Part I
When Sudharman, the fifth ganadhara, came to Rājagṛha on a preaching tour, Jambu took the vow of perpetual celebacy+. However, through the importunities of his parents, he had to marry eight daughters of eight merchants in Rajagṛha at the same night."
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After the eight fold marriage Jambu came to his own house with eight brides as well as rich dowries and in the same night Jambu's house was attacked by a band of robbers headed by Prabhava, a prince turned a bandit. Prabhava, the robber chief, had cast two spells before entering into the house of Jambu one for unlocking the doors
Ibid
Ibid
Ibid.
K.C. Lalwani, Kalpasūtra. p. 136-137
Hermann Jacobi's Parisiṣṭaparvan. p. xxxv ff.
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