________________
ARYA STHULABHADRA
Part-1
Arya Sthulabhadra, the eighth head of the order in Bhagavan Mahavir's lineage, was famous as a great yogi. He was the last Srutakevali (having knowledge of all Angas or the sermon of Bhagavan Mahavir) and Dash-Purvadhar (having knowledge of only ten Purvas or the subtle Jain canons).
According to Jain history, after the death of Udayi, the son of Ajatashatru, the Nand dynasty ascended the throne of Magadha. Nand dynasty appointed a scholarly Brahmin Kalpaka as the prime-minister. During the reign of Ghananand, the ninth ruler of this clan, the prime-minister was Shakadal, also ninth in the lineage of Kalpakas. Shakadal was a great scholar, shrewd politician, educationist, and an astute economist.
Arya Sthulabhadra was born in the house of Shakadal in the year 411 B. C. He had one brother named Shriyak and seven sisters.
Sthulabhadra was a valourous and highly talented brave warrior. Besides being an Adonis he was an archer of high caliber and a great Vina (Sitar-like instrument) player. In spite of his youth, beauty, wealth, grandeur, accomplishments, and state honours he was a highly detached person. He once happened to attend the dance performance of Rupakosha, the famous courtesan. The proficiency in arts, divine beauty, and absolute devotion of Rupakosha ensnared even a detached person like Sthulabhadra in the trap of love. For twelve long years he remained away from home in the mansion of Rupakosha. He returned home only when the shocking news of his father's demise awakened him to his family duties.
Rupakosha was a top ranking dancer with state honours. Besides being a great artist she was also an astute and prudent woman. It is said that with rewards from king Nand she built a unique studio. Bewitching paintings on themes like dance, music, and erotica were displayed there. After his ascetic-initiation, Arya Sthulabhadra spent his first monsoon-stay in this studio. (the story is included in the second part of this two part comic)
This picture story has been written by Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Surishvar who is an accomplished author of biographies of illustrious persons from Jain history. We express our gratitude to him.
Editor:
Muni Chidanand Vijaya
LY
Written by:
Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Suri Managing Editors:
Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
PUBLISHERS
Jain Education International
-Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Translator:
MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST
A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, 1ST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097. PH. (O) 8811397, (R) 8892121
FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) C/o DR. P.B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.). PH. 806-793-8555
For Private & Personal Use Only
Surendra Bothara
SHREE DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN
A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. PH.: (0562) 351165 ALL
www.jainelibrary.org
