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In due course the queen gave birth to a son who was beautiful, delicate and perfect in all respects. With due ceremonies king Bal named him Mahabal.
Five nursemaids were appointed to take care of the child.
Entertaining everyone with his playful activities prince Mahabal continued to grow. At proper age he started his studies and acquired knowledge and skills from his teacher. He became a youth. His mother married him to eight princesses. His parents gave him (to his eight brides) eighty million gold coins, eighty million silver coins and numerous other things as pritidan. He shifted to his newly built mansion and started enjoying life with his cight wives.
Ascetic Dharmaghosh, a disciple of a disciple of Bhagavan Vimalnath, arrived in Hastinapur city. When he heard his sermon, Mahabal Kumar was filled with a feeling of detachment. He expressed his desire before his parents. The parents tried to dissuade him in vain and finally said,
"We want to see you as a king just for a day."
Mahabal Kumar gave his silent consent. He was crowned with grand celebrations. As soon as he ascended the throne he again expressed his desire to get initiated.
Finally he formally got initiated by ascetic Dharmaghosh following the prescribed procedure. He studied 14 purvas including samayik. He lead the ascetic life indulging in various austerities including fasting for one, two and three days. At last he took the ultimate vow and died to reincarnate as a god in Brahmalok kalp with a life-span of 10 saguropam.
Completing his life-span as a god he reincarnated as merchant Sudarshan in Vanijyagram during the period of influence of Bhagavan Mahavir.
Sudarshan merchant was a shramanopasak and had knowledge of beings and nonbeings. He got initiated at the feet of Bhagavan Mahavir, studied 14 puri'us and after being an ascetic for 12 years got liberated.
(Bhagavati Sutra II) 11. ARYA SKANDAK (KHANDHAK) In Antakriddasha Sutra the name of ascetic Skandak appears thrice-(1) Para 9 of first chapter of the first section where the practice of 12 Bhikshu Pratima done by Gautam Kumar is described. (2) In the first para of the sixth section where the Gunasaun vatsar Tap of Mankai (gaathapati) is mentioned. (3) Para 14 of the eighth section where sadhvi (female ascetic) Mahasenkrishna after pondering over religion and evoking religious sentiments decides to take the ultimate vow.
These three references indicate that Arya Skandak had observed with due procedure all these three austerities of 12 Bhikshu Pratima. Gunasamvatsar Tap and ultimate vow. That is why his example has been quoted at three places in Antakriddasha Sutra.
Antakriddasha Mahima
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