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 famous all over with the name V ddhav d (V ddha =elder and v di= debator).
Finding him fit in all respects, rya Skandila nominated him as c rya. Once during his wanderings, V ddhav d was going towards Bh gupura. At that time a scholar called Sidhasena, considering himself to be the most prudent and the most intelligent, scorned at other scholars as if they were a blade of grass. Travelling from place to place in order to debate in scriptural discourses, he came to the path that led to Bh gupura. There he listened to the tales of glory of V ddhav d and followed him. V ddhav d was on his wanderings at that time. Sidhasen followed him and met him on the way. The moment he met V ddhav d Sidhasena declared, “I wish to debate with you on scriptures”.
c rya V ddhav d replied, “That is fine, nevertheless, there are no scholars here for mediation. Without spectators who will give the verdict of who won or who lost the debate?”
Unable to restrain his intense desire to debate, Sidhasena showed the cowherds nearby and said, “Let these cowherds be our audience”.
V ddhav d happily agreed to this proposition. The debate commenced with the adjudicating audience of cowherds. Sidhasen took the initiative and began the debate. Addressing the cowherds, he put forth his contention for a considerably long time in Sanskrita using beautiful words and phrases. Unfortunately the cowherds could not understand even a single word of Sidhasena. When Sidhasena after his line of argument, retired, the Avasaraj a (one who can assess a situation and behave accordingly) V ddhav d with resolve, stated his assertion in a musical pattern, the gist of which was - the one who does not ever harm any being, does not steal anything, does not seduce the spouse of another, and who according to his status and availability of resources gives alms to the needy, he slowly but surely will attain heavenly abode.
Listening to his explanation the cowherds were pleased and said, “O how melodiously and delightfully 'B b j Mah r ja' had shown the righteous path! But as far the revered Sidhasena is concerned we did not even understand what he said. He with his loud voice created throbbing pain in our ears."
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