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Pai
Jain Society of Greater Detroit
PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV ASHADH 4-12 V.S. 2054
MRIGAVATI SADHVI
Jain Education International
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An artist had been blessed by Yaksha (deva) with the gift of being able to draw the entire portrait of a person after seeing just a part of the person's body. Having seen Queen Mrigavati's big toe, he was able to draw her entire portrait, including the birthmark on her thigh. Her husband Shatanik, the king of Kaushambee, however became suspicious of his queen's character and became angry with the artist. The artist tried explaining the situation but the king still or
dered that his thumb be severed. The artist however was granted another thumb from Yaksha, and he drew another picture of Queen Mrigavati and sold it to the king of Ujjain, Chandapradayotan, who became infatuated with her and fought with King Shatanik. King Shatanik died in the war. The queen made a condition to consider to King Chandapradyotan's demand to marry her, and later decided to reject his demand and closed the fort gates. King Chandapradyotan surrounded the palace. Lord Mahavir came and his teaching of non-possession and celibacy inspired Chandapradyotan to accept the right dharma. The king forgave the queen and adopted her son. Queen Mrigavati then took diksha. One night Mrigavati was listening to Lord Mahavir's lecture and returned to the upashraya late and so was cautioned by her guru Arya Chandana. Mrigavati repented her mistake so much that she achieved omniscience.
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