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Evidence is also available to suggest that Srenika was a Jaina by birth. It has been said about his father that he belonged to the order of Pārsva and had courted the vow of equanimity and also the 'lesser vows'(39). According to Dr. Kasi Prasāda Jaiswal, Srenika's ancestors came from Kāsi to Magadha(40). He has further suggested that his was the same family in which once, Tirthankara Pārsva had been born. On the basis of this source, it is plausible to think that Jainism was his family religion. According to some Jaina view, though Srenika was a jaina by birth, he became hostile to it during his banishment. It is quite likely that during this period of his banishment, he became the admirer of Sramanas with lax morals, of which there is a hint in the account of Monk Anathi. All things considered, it was natural for Srenika to be a Jaina when his ancestors were Jainas and his father was a Jaina.
During the last four years of his life. Srenika had a link with the Buddha and his order of monks; but this does not appear to be anything more than a relationship of friendliness and mutual appreciation.
There is a strong proof in support of this view which is that Rājagrha happened to be the main centre of activity of Mahavira and his order of monks, Mahavira spent 14 monsoons in this city. On many occasions, he spent time immediately preceding the commencement of monsoons in that city. Even from an earlier period, people of that city belonged to the sect of Pārsva. Under the circumstances, there should be no doubt that Rajagrha became the principal centre of activity of Mahavira and his order of monks mainly because they could count on the ruling monarch among thier principal followers.
The main centre for the Buddha and his monks was not Rājagrha but Srāvasti. Jetavana of Anāthapindika and Pūrvārāma of Visakhā Mrgāramātā where the Buddha and his monks often lived were both located at Srāvasti. Prasenajit who happened to be a great follower of the Buddha reigned in that city. The Buddha spent 26 monsoons there as against only 5 at Rājagsha. Mahāvira spent only one, monsoon at Srāvasti. It is worth while to note that just as Mahāvīra predicted a future Tirthankar hood for Srenika, so did the Buddha predict a future Buddhahood for Prasenajit(41).
