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Niravaavalika-Upang-8- Chapter-1
elephants, three thousand chariots, three thousand horses and thirty million soldiers joined King Kunik, the owner of the eleventh part of the empire, in the Rath-musal battle in Garud Vyuha (eagle shaped battle formation) (fought against King Chetak).
[7] Meaning- One day while thinking about the condition of her family, Kaali Devi was plagued by an apprehension—"My son, Kaal Kumar has gone with his three thousand horses... and so on up to... in the Rath-musal battle. Will he win or not? Will he live or not? Will I be able to see kaal Kumar alive or not?" With these thoughts she became dejected and started worrying.
Around that time Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir's samavasaran (divine assembly) was held in Champa city. Throngs of people came there to pay homage and attend the discourse.
Kaali Devi was happy to get this news. She thought-"Wandering from one place to another Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir has arrived in Champa city. His arrival is certainly a good omen. What to say of the benefits of going near him and paying homage, mere hearing of his name is highly bountiful. Unlimited is the importance of learning the elaborate meaning of the canon from him. Therefore, I will go to behold him, worship him and enquire of him about my son ?"
With these thoughts Queen Kaali called her attendants and gave instructions—"Beloved of gods Bring at once the best of the chariots reserved for religious ventures duly ready and equipped with horse, driver, and other things."
The attendants prepared the chariot and brought it. They informed the queen of concluding the assignment given to them.
Kaali Devi took her bath and performed other daily chores (like applying perfumed oils on the body, etc.). After that she adorned herself with costly, light weight and exclusive ornaments. She then came out of the palace accompanied by a large contingent of maids from many countries including hunchbacks (kubja), ... and so on up to... female-guards of inner quarters. Coming out of the palace she boarded that religious chariot and, surrounded by members of her family and friends, passing through Champa city arrived at Purnabhadra Chaitya. There she stopped the carriage and alighted from it. Surrounded by numerous maids (as mentioned) she approached the spot where Bhagavan Mahavir was seated. After this the queen went around Bhagavan three times and paid homage and obeisance. Now she stopped there and joining her palms commenced the worship with reverence and eagerness in order to listen to Bhagavan's discourse.
After that Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir gave his discourse to the large congregation along with KaaliDevi. (See- description of discourse in Aupapaatik). Shramanopasaks and Shramanopasikas are firm in religious codes and are followers of the word of the Jina.
Queen Kaali was happy, contented and delighted to listen to the sermon of Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir. She then paid homage and obeisance to Shraman Bhagavan three times and put forth her question—"Bhante ! My son, Kaal Kumar, has gone with his three thousand horses... and so on up to... in the Rath-musal battle. Will he win or not ?... and so on up to... Will I be able to see Kaal Kumar alive?"
Bhagavan said in reply—"O Kaali ! Your son, Kaal Kumar, along with three thousand elephants (etc.) joined King Kunik in the Rath-musal battle. While fighting, wounding, trampling, and killing many soldiers and felling their banners and colours darkening the sky in all directions and smashing chariot with chariot he came across King Chetak (cheda Raja).
throughous che guards fra
Chetaning the sheling, and kioined Kinakaali ! youKumar alive
Aagam - 19 - Nirayaavalika
Compiled by - Deepratnasagar
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