________________
484
infallible arrow which killed Kalakumāra,the commander of Ajātasatru's men on the first day.
On the nine following days, nine brothers of Ajatasatru, who were named commanders one after the other fell in the same manner, i.e., by the infallible arrow of King Cetaka. At that time, Mahāvira was at the city of Campā. The mothers of the dead princes, Queen Kāli and others, made enquiries about the war and their own sons, and Mahavira gave replies to their questions. These queens were then initiated in a body in the order of Mahāvi ra(133).
Help from Indra
Thereafter, Kūņika practised penances for three days. He offered prayers to Sakrendra and Camarendra who appeared before him. When the war started again, the battle on the first day was fought with Indras on the side of Kunika. Sakrendra provided Kunika with an impenetrable armour to protect him before he took the field. This was a sure protection against the arrow of Cetaka. There was a severe fighting. But, under divine influence, even pebbles, straw and leaves hurled by Kunika's men fell like rocks on the army of Cetaka. On that day, 84 lakh men lay dead on the battle field. On the second day, a divine chariot and mace were used. Kunika sat on the chariot driven by Camarendra himself. The chariot moved freely through the enemy columns throughout the day smashing innumerable men. Thus 96 lakhs lost their lives on the second day. Cetaka and his allies, the 18 kings of KasiKosara, - 9 Mallas and 9 Licchavis - were completely defeated. Kūnika won the laurels of victory(134).
Storming of the Wall round Vaiśālī
Being defeated in the battle field, King Cetaka took shelter in his own city. The city gate was closed. Kūnika was unable to break through the wall. Thus Vaisali lay under a state of seize for many days. One day, an oracle was heard from the sky as follows:
The day on which Sramana Kūlavālaka(136) will be attracted by prostitute Magadhikā will be the day
