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shown to him by Kunika. Had the researchers been attracted to this account, it would have been as useful a material as the account in the Samañjaphala Sutta. The researchers have, in general, neglected the Aga mas totally and have relied exclusively on the Tripitakas. The views expressed by the researchers could have been more balanced and useful if they had used both the sources of information for the purpose of their investigation. It is more particularly so about Ajātasatru Künika of whom the account in the Tripi Tripitakas is scrappy, and not as much detailed as the account in the Agamas.
The meeting between Mahāvira and Kūņika took place at Campā. Wandering through village to village in the company of 14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns, Mahavira reached the suburb of that city. The officer on Mahavira's daily routine was delighted and happy when he got the information about his coming. He took his bath, put on clean clothes, decorated himself in light-weight high-cost ornaments and moved out of his residence. Passing through the heart of the city of Campā, he came to the court of Kūņika, son of Bhambhasara, wished victory to the king and submitted, in part, as follows:
"Wandering through village to village, Sramana Bhagavān Mahāvira, whom you wanted to meet, whose sight is so much coveted by you, and whose name and family line are a source of delight to your ears, has arrived in the suburb of this city, Campa, and the party is about to reach the Purnabhadra caitya very soon. May this news be a source of delight for your majesty".
On hearing this news from the officer, Kūnika, the son of Bhambhasara, became very happy. His face and eyes beamed with joy. In a hurry, he got up from the throne and removed his slippers. He took out the five emblems of kingship, Sword, umbrella, crown, foot wear and camara. He retained only a single piece of cloth on his person. Then with folded hands he moved seven or eight steps in the direction of Mahāvira, contracted his left leg and placed the right one on the ground. Thrice he touched the ground with his forehead. Then rising slightly, he folded his hands, with which he touched his
