Book Title: Jain Legend Vol 2
Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana
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became the leader of ascetics. Some authors opined that Prabhava took initiation sometime after the initiation of Jamb Kum ra but there is no substantial evidence to prove this fact. Prabhava was 30 years old when he took initiation. Whether he was married or not, there is no mention of it in any text.
After initiation Prabhava thoroughly studied all the 11 Amgas and 14 Prvas from Sudharm Swm and Jamb Sw m. He performed severe austerities, and in the blazing flame of penance he started burning his bad karma like firewood. Serving rya Sudharm he followed the rama a Dharma. In V.N. 64, Prabhava was made c rya by Jamb Sw m. After the nirv a of Jamb Sw m , Prabhava Sw m took over as Pontiff. He not only elevated himself in the spiritual path but also served the congregation, following the principles of Lord Mah v ra with unflinching faith and devotion, and glorified Jainism setting an example for others by his conduct as a Pontiff of that time
Contemplation about the successor
One day, at night crya Prabhava Swm was deep in meditation. The rest of the ascetics were fast asleep. After his meditation in the middle of the night he reflected on the issue of his successor. He was perplexed as to whom the responsibility of a successor should be entrusted to administer the large congregation efficiently as per the guidelines of Lord Mah v ra. He mentally recollected all the ascetics of the congregation and visualised them to be his successor; but much to his dismay, he could not find anyone fit to the rank. Then he started thinking of the people outside the religion who are eligible to run the congregation. With his intuition he found out that Sayyambhava Bha a, a staunch Brahmin of Vatsa Gotra, a resident of R jag ha and who was engaged in performing the sacrificial rites, was proficient in all aspects to run the congregation.
The next day, Prabhava Sw m, the leader of Ga as wandering along with his disciples reached R jag ha. After reaching there, he ordered two of his disciples,“ rama as! Both of you go to the Yaj a being performed by Sayyambhava Bha a and seek alms from him. If the Brahmins there refuse to give alms to you, recite this verse in a pleasant voice and come back:
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