Jain Journal 1968 10

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

Page 16

OCTOBER, 1968
Having thus worshipped and paid homage to Lord Mahavira, Kunika re-ascended the throne. He awarded 108,000 silver coins to the information officer and ordered, “Inform me again when Lord Mahavira graces Campa with his visit and arrives at the Purnabhadra Caitya."
Arrival of Mahavira at Campa
Radiated by a thousand rays the Sun rose in the sky. In the delightful atmosphere of the morning Lord Mahavira arrived at Campa and stayed in the Purnabhadra Caitya. Assuming an appropriate position, he took to inspiring his soul with self-restraint and austere living. All round and throughout the Campanagari there was an universal talk : “Sramana Lord Mahavira has come over here and is staying at Purnabhadra Caitya. Even the hearing of his name and clan is highly beneficial. What to speak of getting his holy glimpse ! Beloved of the gods! Let us all go and pay our respectful homage to Lord Mahavira. It will be highly fruitful and bring happiness to us in this world and hereafter."
Thereafter people bathed, adorned themselves with beautiful dresses and ornaments and precious garlands of pearls. Some rode on horsebacks, some on elephants and some seated in palanquins and a considerable number on foot, set out for visiting Lord Mahavira.
The information officer gave this pleasant news to Kunika. The king rewarded him with a gift of 12,50,000 silver coins. Kunika, son of Bimbisara, called for the chief officer of the army and ordered, “Decorate the Hastiratna elephant. Arrange to get the army consisting of four divisions (horses, elephants, chariots and infantry) ready. Keep chariots ready for the chief queen Subhadra and other queens, etc., to ride in. Cleanse the city Campa inside and outside. Decorate the streets and highways. Prepare platforms for the spectators at different sites. I shall go to worship and revere Lord Mahavira.”
All preparations were made in accordance with the king's orders. The king rode on the Hastiratna. The queen Subhadra and other queens got into chariots. Thus the king with his great glory of the army proceeded to visit Lord Mahavira.? After driving through the central
There is no word 'silver' in the original text but traditionally it is believed that a universal monarch's (Cakravarti) gift is of twelve and a half crore golden coins, a Vasudeva's of twelve and a half lac golden coins and a regional king's of twelve and a half lac silver coins. Cf. Uvavai Sutra (Hindi transalation), p. 133.
? Consult Aupapatika Sutra for the detailed description of Kunika's grandeur, show and marching arrangements.