Jain Journal 1968 10

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

Page 15

JAIN JOURNAL
The description of the advent of Mahavira to Campanagari and Kunika's devotion towards him in the Uvavāi Sutra is very vivid and inspiring. Had it been the subject of the review of the research scholars, like Samaññyaphala Sutta, it would have been equally significant. The fact is that the research made on the Agamas is not so much as that on the Tripitakas. If this research were undertaken, many important issues would have received definite and decisive solutions. The Tripitakas are not so informative about Ajatasatru Kunika as are the Agamas.
Message of Mahavira's arrival
On hearing the news of Mahavira's arrival in the suburbs of Campanagari with his 14,000 monks and 36,000 nuns, the information officer was very much pleased and happy. After taking a bath he put on an auspicious dress, and adorned himself with very light but costly ornaments. He then proceeded to the State Assembly of Kunika, the son of Bimbisara, through Campanagari. With his greetings for the king's victory, he spoke : “Beloved of the Gods ! Sramana Lord Mahavira, whom you wish to pay respects, whose very glimpse is most pleasing to your heart and is invigorating for you, whose name and clan is a source of great happiness to your honour, touring from village to village, has reached the suburbs of Campanagari and is about to arrive at Purnabhadra Caitya. May this news be pleasing to you."
Kunika, son of Bimbisara, was very happy to hear this message from the information officer. His eyes and face became bright and radiant. He at once got up from his throne and took off his sandals. All the five signs of royalty“ were cast aside. Having taken ekasātikauttrasanga (the traditional posture of paying homage) with folded hands, he walked seven or eight paces forward in the direction of Mahavira. He drew in his left foot. Similarly, he moved his right foot down to the ground. He bowed down to the ground thrice, and then rising a little, folded his hands in reverence. Touching his forehead with the palm of his hand, he greeted Mahavira with “namutthunam” (eulogy) and said, "My warmest respect of Sramana Lord Mahavira, who is the pioneer, a Tirthankara ... desirous of attaining salvation, is my religious teacher and preceptor. From here I worship Lord Mahavira who takes notice of me from there."
* Sword, crown, royal umbrella, sandals and camara (yak's tail used for driving away flies--also a symbol of kingship).
namoatthunam samanassa bhagavao mahavirassa adigarassa titthagarassa... java sampaviu kamassa mamadhammayariyassa dhammovadesagassa, vandami nam bhagvantam tatthagayam iha pasai me (me se) bhagavam tatthagae ihagayam, ti kattu vandai namamsai. -Aupapatika Sutra, sutra 12.