Book Title: Essence of Jainism Part 01
Author(s): Kushalchandravijay
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust

View full book text
Previous | Next

Page 175
________________ Nandishwar Dwip quite often. Thus the soul of Lord Parshwanath worshipped 100 Tirthankars in his Devbhav and earned the distinction of 'Purushadani Parshwanath' and also the matchless merits. So wonderful is the result that worship produces. Truely, to worship the most, is to be revered the most in return as a consequence of the merits earned. Pethadshah's Devotion to Jina : It is of interest to know how Pethadshah paid off the debt of the Devdravya. Once Pilgrims of Swetambar and Digambar Sanghs happened to be together at the Girnar Mount for worship. A question arose to which Sangh did the Tirthsthan belonged ? The elders on both the sides decided that whosoever offered the highest bid, would be the owner. Pethadhshah bid 56 Dhadis of gold(one Dhadi was equal to 10 lbs or 400 tolas). Thus the Tirth went to the Swetambar pilgrims. The gold had to be tendered soon. Pethadshah vowed not to eat or drink till the bid made was honoured by him. His courtiers returned with gold carried on the back of camels on the third day. Pethadshah broke the fast only after paying off the debt. What an act of unswerving faith and devotion it was ! He gave 600 lbs (10 X 56 = 560) it of the bid, plus 40 lbs of gold as charity and alms. 24,000 tolas of gold was spent in devotion to Jineshwar by Pethadshah. Ilustrations of king Kumarpal and others : In his previous birth, king Kumarpal worshipped god by offering flowers purchased with only 5 coris. It is not the value of money spent but the spirit of devotion that determines the merits earned, due to great merit earned in worship, he became a famous ruler of 18 countries. King Samprati, Vastupai and Tejpal, Ministers Vimal and Sajian, Abhu and Uday and many others also worshipped Lord Nemnath at This is how they earned areat fame. If we do sincere Jin Bhakti like they did, it will certainly make our present life worth while and ensure prosperity for the next life also. N.B. : "An apology is tendered for writing anything against the Commandments of the Jina". --- The Author. 96 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 173 174 175 176