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As we have it from the General Editor, Bhuvanabhanu is neither a historical character nor a mythical character. It is a creation of pure imagination. The work relates the story of this character in his various births. It depicts the allegorical progress of the soul through various births till it attains omniscience which is the supreme goal.
Explaining the title, Munishri Ramanik Vijayji writes:
"It is an allegorical account meant to impart spiritual education. In his previous birth, Bhuvanabhanu was the ruler of Chandrapuri in Jambudvipa when he was named Vali. He was the son of king Akalanka and Queen Sudarsana. For many years, he ran the administration of his kingdom with great efficiency. Then one day, a great monk, Kuvalaya Candra had arrived at the city park. People went out to hear his sermon. Even king Vali did not lag behind. He was very much impressed of the monk's words and joined the holy order as a monk. He learned the scriptures, practised severe penances and then attained omniscience. As an omniscient personality, he travelled from village to village, town to town, region to region, helping people in their spiritual upliftment till he was called Bhuvanabhanu or 'the Sun of the Universe'. Being asked by Candramauli, king of Vijayapur, the monk recalled and tendered a complete account of his previous births which is the subject-matter of this long poem."
JAIN JOURNAL
Undoubtedly, the present work will be a useful addition to the Bhuvanabhanu literature published so far.
Our Contributors
B. K. KHADABADI, Reader in Prakrit, Karnatak Arts College, Dharwad, Karnatak.
Jain Education International
-K. C. Lalwani
LEONA SMITH KREMSER, Devoted to Tirthankar Aristanemi she is writing His biography.
ARVIND SHARMA, Lecturer in Indian Religions, University of Queensland, Australia.
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