Jain Legend Vol 1

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 78

before beginning the married life they took asceticism at the feet of the Lord.
According to c rya Jinasena Sundar took initiation along with Br hm on the very first sermon of Lord V abhan tha. But according to the
vet mbara tradition, not getting the permission from Bharata, she became the first r vik householder of that time. When Bharata started on his victory campaign over the six parts of the world, Sundar started observing the daily yambila fast. When Bharata returned from his victory campaigns after 60 thousand years, seeing the transient form of Sundar and her intense aspiration for austerity, she was made an ascetic with Br hm who was serving the Lord.
Later traditions after the vet mbara tradition talk of Br hm 's initiation along with the founding of the congregation tradition but Sundar 's initiation is considered to have occurred after 60 thousand years, that is, after Bharata cakravart 's victory campaigns. But on the other hand there is mention of Br hm and Sundar being sent to arouse B hubal , deep in his meditation, and this is only possible if both their initiations have occurred at the same time, and if we analyse objectively based on existing facts, then the mention of joint initiation of the two as mentioned in the Jamb dv pa Praj apti and Kalpas tra seem more acceptable.
The arousal of V abhan tha's sons
V abhan tha became a renouncer after giving different kingdoms to all his sons. When Bharata had gained victory over the six zones he wanted to bring his brothers as his assistants too. The brothers consulted each other but could not reach any decision. Ultimately they placed the problem in front of their worldly father Lord V abhan tha. When they reached their father he explained to them the transitory nature of worldly kingdom and the importance of the kingdom of spirituality. Everyone was dumbfounded. They accepted the five major vows (mah vratas) tradition and became the Lord's disciples.
The Non-Violent War
Emperor Bharata wanted to establish his rule over the entire Bh rata. By getting initiated as renouncers, his 98 brothers had made the path easier for him. Yet the trouble was how to conquer B hubal ? Without that it
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