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OCTOBER, 1971
"Mahavira by his unimpared knowledge knew about these desires of monks and nuns. He called them and explained to them the bad consequence of such desires. The monks and nuns repented for having such desires."
This speaks of deep reverence of Srenika-Bimbisara to Mahavira. It also speaks of the fact that it was his first visit to the Lord as queen Celana introduced him to Mahavira. The fact that the monks and nuns desired rewards in their next life on seeing the grandeur of Srenika and Celana also supports this contention.
Celana was a follower of the Nirgrantha religion by birth but Bimbisara was not so. It appears that he was drawn towards this faith by Celana's influence. It was why he took her with him while going to visit Lord Mahavira and it was Celana who introduced him to the Lord.
The following episode has been described in the Anuttarovavāiyadaśā Sūtra :
“King Srenika after having paid his respects to the Lord, asked : ‘O Lord, Who amongst the fourteen thousand monks as Indrabhuti, is the foremost in observing austerities and thus purifying his self ? The Lord replied : 'Srenika, the monk named Dhanya is the foremost amongst the monks who observed austerities and purifies his self.' King Srenika was very happy to hear this. He went to monk Dhanya and complimented him thus : 'O Beloved of the gods, Blessed you are. Lucky you are.' Then he came back to the Lord, paid his respects and returned to the palace."
The thirteenth chapter of Nāyadhammakahā also records Srenika's visit to the Lord with his full retenue.
On the occasion of the initiation of prince Meghakumara Srenika is said to have paid this euology on the Nirgrantha religion : "Nirgrantha religion is true, 'paramount, perfect, leading to salvation, logical, and unique." Srenika's another son named Nandisena also entered the monastic order of Lord Mahavira.16
Once, Srenika was said to have announced in a meeting of his family members, knights and ministers : "If any body wishes to get
16
Trisastisalakapurusacaritra, book 10, canto 6.
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