Jain Legend Vol 1

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

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responsibility of the king. The prince appreciated his father's resolve to become a renouncer and said that it is necessary for every one desiring mok a to strive for it and that in this nobody should be an obstacle but only be supportive. As far as kingdom is concerned you may please give the same to my uncle who is also a prince and capable and qualified to take up that responsibility. Prince Ajita had not even completed his words when prince Sumitra said, I do not want to renounce everything along with the king and take the path of spiritual endeavour. Prince Ajita through his knowledge perception found out that there was some time left for prince Sumitra to become a renouncer so he requested him even if he did not take the responsibility of the kingdom he should remain as a yat in the house. King Jita atru too requested his brother similarly. Prince Sumitra could not say no to this. Hence with great pomp and splendour prince Ajita's coronation was organised and the moment he sat on the throne king Ajita appointed Sagara Kum ra crown prince.
Father's renunciation, omniscience and liberation
Upon completion of the coronation of prince Ajita, king Jita atru's exiting ceremony also took place in a festive spirit and he took initiation from an elder monk from the congregation of Lord din tha. Upon initiation as a mendicant the monk Jita atru attained pure intuition (kevaladar ana) and pure knowledge through severe penance over a long period, destroying his four obscuring karmas (gh tikarmas) and in the end attained mok a having destroyed the remaining four remaining nonobscuring karmas.
The Rule of King Ajita
Ajita ruled justly and as per norms for 53 lakh p rvas. By the strength of good deeds of Ajita, the receptacle of three kinds of knowledge, other kings came under him voluntarily, bowing to him with faith and devotion. In his rule his subjects were in every way prosperous, happy and just, religious and orderly. One day, contemplating in solitude, king Ajita thought now I must renounce the mundane activities of this world and should be determined in my basic purpose. I should not delay in striving to be unbound, devoid of passions and blemish. These thoughts were in the king's mind when the lok ntika gods came in his presence and prayed to him that 'Lord! Establish the congregation and redeem the
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