Book Title: Introduction to Jainism and its Culture
Author(s): Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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Page 206
________________ the world and become a sky-clad ascetic. After his post initiation meditation he was served food by Indradatta in Ayodhyā. He indulged in a variety of rigorous austerities. He remained silent for eighteen years and wandered around to influence people with his spiritual power. In the end he attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara. His attending deities were Yakşeśvara Yakṣa and Vajraśṛnkhalā Yakṣiņi. BHAGAVĀNA SUMATI NATHA -- Sumati Natha was born to queen Mangalā, the wife of King Meghaprabha (belonging to the same family and gotra as Ṛşabhadeva) of Ayodhyā city, on Chaitra śukla 11 when the moon was in the Magha lunar mansion. while he was a householder he recalled incidents of his previous incarnation and he renounced the world to become a sky-clad ascetic. After his post initiation meditation he was served food the day after by King Padama in Somarasa city. All his life he pursued his mission of public elfare and indulged in a variety of rigorous austerities. He covered the whole country during his wanderings and in the end attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara. His attending deities were Tumburava Yakṣa and Vajramkusha Yakṣiņi. BHAGAVĀNA PADMAPRABHA -- Padmaprabha was born to queen Susima, the wife of King Dharana (belonging to the Ikṣvāku family and Kasyapa Gotra) of Kausāmbī city. He ascended the throne when the first quarter of his life was past. One day his elephant died. This inspired him towards terminating the cycles of rebirth. He became a sky-clad ascetic in the jungles of Pabhausā hills and commenced meditation. The day after, he was served food by King Somadatta in Vardhamana city. All his life he pursued his spiritual goal and wandered around for his mission of public welfare. In the end he attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara. His attending deities were Matanga Yakṣa and Apraticakreshvari Yakṣiņi. Historical research has been conducted about Pabhausā hills and Kauśāmbī city. The history department of Prayag University undertook excavation work at the site of Kausāmbī for many years and brought to light invaluable artifacts. These include four intact Jain images. A large number of terracotta figurines as well as beads have also been found here. All this material has been collected and displayed in the Prayag Museum. Kauśāmbī is believed to be one of the prominent cities of ancient India. It was the capital of Vatsa state and the arena of many Jain Education International 189 For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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