Jain Journal 1968 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 14

AJATASATRU KUNIKA
(in the light of Jaina Agamas and Buddhist Tripitakas)
MUNI NAGARAJ
In both the Buddhist and Jaina traditions Kunika (Ajatasatru) enjoys an equally important place. Both the traditions consider him as their follower and have their own grounds for such belief. According to the Buddhist tradition, the meeting between Ajatasatru and the Buddha, alluded to in the Sāmaññyaphala Sutta, was the first one. In the meeting he became a devotee of the Buddha, his religion and order. Another instance of Ajatasatru's devotion towards the Buddha is found in his building a great stūpa over the Buddha's ashes. When the Buddha's ashes were being distributed, Ajatasatru sent a message to the Mallas of Kushinara, saying “The Buddha was a Ksatriya, I am also a Kşatriya. I must also get a share of his ashes.” On the advice of Drona Brahamin he got a share and built a stūpa thereon.2
According to Sāmaññyaphala Sutta, on the night of Kartika Purnimā (full moon) Ajatasatru came to know of the Buddha from his state physician Jivaka Kaumara Bhrtya and immediately he visited the Buddha with his five hundred queens riding on five hundred elephants. It is difficult to say when Ajatasatru had his first interview with Mahavira. Available records of his interviews with Mahavira indicate only old acquaintance and deep devotion.
The first Upānga Uvavāi throws light primarily on the relations of Kunika with Mahavira. Here is also given a fine description of his capital Campanagari and the administration of his kingdom. Elucidating the devotion of Kunika towards Mahavira, it states that he had appointed an information officer (Pravrtti Vaduka) who received a high salary. His duty was to keep him informed of Mahavira's everyday activities. Under him he had several workers who were also highly paid. Through them the information officer used to receive everyday news of Mahavira and conveyed the same to Kunika.3
esaham bhante, bhagvantam saranam gacchami, dhammam ca bhikkhu sangham ca. upasakam mam bhagya dharetu ajjatgge panupetum saranam gatam.
* Buddhacarya, p. 509.
3 tassanam koniassa ranno ekke purise viulakaye vittie bhagavao pavittivaue, bhagavao taddevasiam pavittim niveai. tassanam purisassa bahave anne purisa dinnabhatti bhatta veana bhagavao pavittivaua bhagavao taddevasiam pavittim nivedenti.