Jain Journal 2006 07

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

Page 26

Jambusvāmi, the last kevalin of the Jainas, is the least talked about "mahāmuni" or great saint among the patriarchs of the religious fraternity. The "Theravali", second section of the Kalpa-sutra, has allotted only two or three sentences for this saint.' But the celebrated Jaina scholar, Hemacandra has given a long and legendary account of the pre-ordained life of this great saint, in his famous book Parisistaparvan?
Mahāmuni Jambūsvāmī and Bengal
Chitta Ranjan Pal.
From the above-mentioned book, we come to know that Jambūsvāmī was the only son of Rṣabhadatta, a rich merchant in Rajagṛha. Though he was brought up in wealth and luxury, he had evinced a great dislike for marriage from his early youth.
Part I
When Sudharman, the fifth ganadhara, came to Rājagṛha on a preaching tour, Jambu took the vow of perpetual celebacy+. However, through the importunities of his parents, he had to marry eight daughters of eight merchants in Rajagṛha at the same night."
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After the eight fold marriage Jambu came to his own house with eight brides as well as rich dowries and in the same night Jambu's house was attacked by a band of robbers headed by Prabhava, a prince turned a bandit. Prabhava, the robber chief, had cast two spells before entering into the house of Jambu one for unlocking the doors
Ibid
Ibid
Ibid.
K.C. Lalwani, Kalpasūtra. p. 136-137
Hermann Jacobi's Parisiṣṭaparvan. p. xxxv ff.