Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 221

c rya V ddhav d and Siddhasena
Among the c ryas who belonged to the first century of Vikram era,
c rya V ddhav d occupies a significant place. He was the teacher of Siddhasena, and an intellectual and a strong-willed monk. He was born in a village called Kau ala in Gaudade a. His parents named him Mukunda. Inspired after listening to the discourse of crya Skamdila S ri of Vidy dhara lineage, a feeling of total detachment and renunciation roused in the mind of Mukunda and he took initiation as a
rama a monk. Though initiated at an elderly age, he had a passion for learning and would spend day and night in quenching his thirst of knowledge. As he learnt by reading the verses aloud, other disciples who felt disturbed objected to his waking up so early in the morning to recite the lessons. In spite of his co-disciples repeatedly objecting, he continued his practice incessantly as he could not control his ardour for knowledge.
One day a co-disciple asked him, “By reading the verse in a loud tone, do you want the pestle to bloom?"
The sarcasm pricked Mukunda's heart like a needle. He, with the grace of his Guru, who imparted him with a Sarasvat Mantra, recited continuously for 21 days alongside following the vow of Acamla (eating dry and tasteless food once a day). His endeavour culminated successfully with the appearance of the Goddess of Knowledge, who pleased by his devotion granted him the boon, "May you be blessed with the knowledge of all disciplines!"
Thus gifted with divine power, the monk Mukunda who now turned into a great poet approached his teacher's feet and addressing the congregation, said in a high tone, “All those who poked fun at me saying whether at this old age, would I make the pestle blossom, may behold that I am indeed going to make the pestle bloom”.
Uttering these words ascetic Mukunda stood on the ground and using his divine power sprinkled unblemished water on the pestle and made it blossom right in front of the monks. Thus he proved that nothing is unachievable by a person with a strong determination.
Because of his unparalleled brilliance and knowledge, no opponent could face the elderly monk Mukund in debates and discussions. Hence he
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