Jain Journal 1969 01

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

Page 18

112
JAIN JOURNAL
Difference in nomenclatures
There is a difference regarding the name and title in both the traditions. The Jainas have all through named him Kunika, while the Buddhists have called him Ajatasatru. Even in the Upanişads50 and Purāņas51 the name of Ajatasatru has been used. Thus the factual position is that Kunika is the real name and Ajatasatru is an epithetic name. Some times the title or the epithetic name enjoys more popularity than the real name. Such as, Vardhamana was the original name and Mahavira an epithet, but, in practice, Mahavira has been more popular. In the general history of India only the name of Ajatasatru is current. The name of Ajatasatru Kunika is found engraved on an edict at the Mathura museum.52 In fact this appears to be his full name. The word Ajatasatru Kunika should be used in the modern literary works, as this would be more expressive and correct.
The word Ajatasatru is interpreted in two forms : one interpretation is, na jātah satruryasya one whose enemy is not even born,53 and the other interpretation is, ajāta api śatruh-(father's) enemy from even before birth.54 The latter interpretation is made by Acarya Buddhaghosa and it may in itself be quite consistent, but surely not natural. Kunika was an exalted and brave king. He conquered many unconquerable enemies. Thus the epithetic title 'Ajatasatru' appears to be more expressive of his valour and glory rather than of a reproach. The name Kunika is derived from the word 'kuni' which means a whit-low. Kunika means, bearer of a whit-low.55 Acarya Hemchandra says:
rūdhiravranāpi sa tasya kūnitā bhavedangulih tatah sapāmsuramanaih so (a)bhyasciyala kuņiką56
In the Āvašyaka Cūrni, Kunika has also been named Asoka Candra but it is rarely used. 57
50 Dialogues of the Buddha, Vol. II, p. 78. 61 Vayupurana, chapter 99, sloka 319 ; Matsyapurana, chapter 27, sloka 9. 62 Journal of Bihar and Orissa Research Society, Vol. V, part IV. pp. 550-51. 58 Dialogues of the Buddha, Vol. II, p. 78. 64 Dighanikaya Atthakatha, 1, 113. 86 Apte's Sanskrit English Dictionary, Vol. I, p. 580. 66 Trisastisalakapurusacaritra, parva 10, sarga 6, sloka 309. 67 asogavana canda utti asogacandutti namam ca se kantam
tattha ya kukku upicchenam kanamguli se viddha sukumalia sa na paunati sa kuniga jata tahe se dosa khvehim kantam namam kuniotti.
-Avasyaka Curni, Vol. II, p. 187.