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Pushpachulika -Upang-11- Chapter-1
JUNTASTICCIAR The ruler of the city was King Shrenik. Once Swami (Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir) arrived. People came to attend his religious discourse.
During that period of time Shri Devi was sitting on a throne named Shri in the Sudharma Sabha (divine assembly of the Shri Avatansak Vimaan (celestial vehicle) in Saudharm Kalp (divine dimension) along with four thousand vehicle based goddesses and four thousand Mahattarika goddesses (teacher goddesses who taught ethics and morality). Like Bahuputrika Devi, she saw Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir stationed in Rajagriha. She came there, presented stage performance and returned. The only difference was that she did not create children during her dance performance (like Bahuputrika had done).
When Shri Devi left, Gautam Swami asked Bhagavan Mahavir about her past birth. Bhagavan replied- "Gautam ! During that period of time there was a city named Rajagriha. There was a chaitya named Gunasheelak. The ruler was King Jitshatru. In Rajagriha lived a gathapati (householder) named Sudarshan who was very rich. The name of Sudarshan Gathapati's wife was Priya. She had very delicate limbs and was very beautiful. Sudarshan Gathapati and Priya Gathapatni had a daughter named Bhoota. As she grew old without getting married she appeared to be an old spinster with a frail and decrepit body. Her buttocks and breasts hid become loose and infirm but being unmarried and untouched by man she was still chaste.
During that period of time nine cubits tall Purushadaniya Arhat Parshva arrived in the city). People came out to pay homage to him.
Getting this news Bhoota Darika (Miss Bhoota) was pleased and delighted. She went to her parents and sought permission—"O mother and father! During his wanderings Purushadaniya Arhat Parshva arrived here. He now stays here with his family of disciples. O parents ! After getting your permission I want to go to worship Purushadaniya Arhat Parshva's feet."
The parents said "Beloved of gods ! Do as you please and avoid languor when doing a good deed."After getting permission from her parents Bhoota Darika took her bath, dressed and adorned herself with ornaments. She came out of her house with many friends and maids came to the outer hall and boarded her chariot assigned for religious activities.
Accompanied by her friends and relatives, Bhoota Darika passed through Champa city and arrived near Gunasheelak Chaitya. She alighted from the chariot when she saw the divine canopy and other divine signs of a Tirthankar. Surrounded by her maids, she approached the spot where Purushadaniya Arhat Parshva was seated. She went around Bhagavan three times, paid homage and obeisance and commenced worship with reverence.
Purushadaniya Arhat Parshva gave his discourse to the large gathering including Bhoota Darika. On listening to and understanding the sermon she was pleased. Later Bhoota Darika paid homage and obeisance to Bhaga van and conveyed her feelings-"Bhagavan ! I have faith in the Nirgranth-sermon propagated by you. I am prepared to accept this sermon. It is exactly as you have stated (it is the ultimate truth and reality). Bhante ! I would like to get initiated, but first let me seek permission from my parents.
Arhat Parshva said "Beloved of gods ! Do as you please and avoid languor when doing a good deed."
Aagam -22 - Pushpachulika
Compiled by - Deepratnasagar
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