Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 49

APRIL, 1985
"Mother, we only know that there is an image of Gommatesvara at Podanapura but no one knows which way leads to that place. The entire region is full of dense forest, high mountains and ferocious animals. To find out the image is therefore practically impossible. Mother, please reconsider your decision. And if you so desire we may visit Candragupta Vasati and see the image of Lord Parsvanatha there."
Mother Kalaldevi replied,
"If you have fallen in love of this material world then let us not go at all. Today I am hearing of something unheard of. My son valiant Camundarai is afraid of difficulties."
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On hearing these words Camundarai whispered to himself in choked voice "I in love with this material world, I am afraid of difficulties; Oh God!" And then composing himself he said to his mother,
"Mother, please get ready for the journey."
Then began the search for that oldest image. Valiant Camundarai was out in search of something unknown and unheard of. There were difficulties at every step. For the safety of the journey a large contingent of army, sufficient food and water, horses and chariots were arranged. The principal persons of this party were valiant Camundarai, his mother Kalaldevi, Acarya Sri Nemicandra and another great Jain ascetic Acarya Ajitasena. Besides, there were some adventurous young men and a few other men and women. The party started. But as there was no definite route and hardship on the way many pilgrims began to return. Camundarai and his close associates only moved forward undauntly. After a hazardous journey the party reached Candragupta Vasati. There they worshipped the feet of twentythird Tirthankara Parsvanatha and heard the sermons of monk Bhadrabahu who was residing there at that time.
Thus acquiring further inspiration the party started again. But they got stuck between the hill range of Candragiri and Indragiri. The road beyond was blocked. A high mountain, dense forest, hissing cobras and wild animals made the journey forward almost impossible. A step forward was to invite sure death. But it was also impossible to return without seeing the image of Lord Gommatesvara. So the party encamped on the bank of Lake Kalyan situated in the valley lying between the two mountains. In this critical hour Camundarai sought the advice of the Acarya Nemicandra.