________________
In the Licchavī republic all decision were taken unanimously. If there was some difference of opinion on some occasions, decision was taken by voting. Neighboring the Vajji Union were Malla Union and Kāśī Kola Union.
Vajji union had a peace treaty with these two unions. If any of the three unions was attacked a joint meeting of the three unions was called and a commander of joint forces was elected; who then formed his war cabinet.
Vaiśāli had unlimited wealth. It had 7777 mansions, 7777 secret abodes (like basements), 7777 entertainment centers and gardens, and 7777 streams. Of these 7000 were embellished with golden kalasa (torus moulding often resembling a pitcher), 7000 with silver kalasa, and 21000 with copper kalasa. The Licchavīs of Vaiśālī were freedom and pleasure loving. They were highly fraternal. If one Licchavi fell sick every Licchavī will visit him. They were very fond of colourful dresses and festivities. Once Bhagavāna Buddha had said to Ananda - "Those who have not seen gods of thirty-three heavens should see these Licchavis of Vaiśālī."
Ajātaśatru, the son of Śreņika Bimbasāra of the Sișunāga dynasty, and Samudragupta of the Gupta dynasty both were grandsons of the Licchavis of Vaiśālī. And these two were responsible for the destruction of Vaiśālī.
KUNDALPUR
It was a big city at the time of Mahavira and ruled by the king Siddharth, father of Mahavira. It is the birth place of Mahavira. At present no archaelogical evidents are available to locate the Janmabhumi Kundalpur but traditionally from centuries people worship Kundalpur, located at present in Nalanda district as birth place of Mahavira. Some people try to identify Kundalgram near Vaisali as birth place but most of the people believe the birth place as Kundalpur of Nalanda.
NAMING CEREMONY
Since the birth of Bhagavāna there was a continued growth in the glory, power, influence, wealth, and affluence of his parents. Therefore,
227
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
