Jain Journal 1968 10

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

Page 30

OCTOBER, 1968
(cakraratna) but that too did not touch Bahuvali as he was destined to obtain kevala-knowledge in this life. Bharata's position was pitiable and Bahuvali was about to crush him when spiritual awakening dawned
uvali’s mind. He not only released his elder brother but also gave him his territory and retired to practise austerity. He remained immovable as a rock in deep meditation for one year during which creepers grew over him and he was turned into an abode of snakes and scorpions.
Rsabha was stationed on Mount Astapada (Kailasa) at that time and Cakravarti Bharata went there to pay his respects. He enquired of his father why despite such a severe austerity, Bahuvali did not attain kevalaknowledge. The Jina replied :
“Bahuvali still cherises the irşā-kaṣāya, thinking, even though he has made over the earth to you, why then he is still placing his feet thereon. So he fails to attain kevala-knowledge.”
Learning this Bharata went to Bahuvali, fell at his feet and said,
tau taniya pihimi hau tumha dasu
The earth is really thine ; thy vassal am I.
This released Bahuvali of his last ghāti karma and he attained kevala-knowledge. In the end he went to the abode of the siddhas. So also did Rsabha, and Bharata, the supreme overlord of the earth, ruled from Ayodhya.
To be Continued