Jain Journal 2001 10

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

Page 30

SWAMI BRAHMESHANANDA*
Acarya Sthulabhadra shines as a bright star among the galaxy of Jain saints who has illumined Jainism by his matchless self-control, and unparalleled intellect. So highly is he honoured in the Svetāmbara sect that he is remembered in the mangala-mantra (benedictory chant) along with the Tirthankara Mahāvīra, his first disciple Gautama, and the Jain faith.1
JAIN ĀCĀRYA STHŪLABHADRA
He was born in Pataliputra, the then capital of Magadha in the year 351 BC during the reign of King Nanda the IXth. He was the eldest son of Shakadala, the legendary Prime Minister of the Magadha Empire. He had seven sisters who became Jain nuns, and a younger brother, Shreyaka, who too later became a Prime Minister.
When Sthulabhadra was eighteen years old he was sent by his father to the renowned state-courtesan Kosha for training in the amorous arts (kāmakalā). For he was being trained by Shakadala to be the future Prime Minister and, was, therefore, expected to be a master of all the branches of the arts and the sciences. Kosha was not only a lady of exquisite beauty and grace, but she also held a distinguished position in the different fields of arts. So, one who had not undergone training under her was not considered learned. Hence Shakadala sent his promising son to her. But Kosha and Sthulabhadra fell in love with each other at first sight, and the latter did not return from her house for the next twelve years!
Shakadala did not repeat the mistake of sending Shreyaka also to Kosha and, instead, appointed him the personal bodyguard of the
*
1.
The author, residing at the Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service, Varanasi, presents us with an inspiring biographical sketch of the famous Jaina monk.
मंगलं भगवान्वीरो मंगलं गौतमप्रभुः ।
मंगलं स्थूलभद्राद्याः जैनधर्मोऽस्तु मंगलम् ॥
Quoted by Sadhvi Sanghmitra in Jain Dharma ke prabhāvak ācārya, (Jain Vishwa Bharati Prakashan, Ladanu, Rajashthan, 1979) p. 78.