Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 238

that it is impossible to find elsewhere. He will be discussed in detail alongside rya Vajra.
rya Arahadatta
No relevant data is available about rya Arahadatta.
Important dynasties during the tenure of rya Mamgu
During the tenure of rya Mamgu as discourse- c rya (i.e. V.N. 470 or 57 BC or 135 years before aka era) the throne of the Republic of Avant was adorned by the most chivalrous and benevolent king Vikram ditya. The very same day when Vikram ditya ascended the throne of Ujjaini, a new calendar came into existence in his name in the Kingdom of Avant ; and about 17 or 13 years later, it was followed by the entire country, which was also referred to as K ta Year, M lawa Year and Vikram Year one after another.
As per a few Jain scriptures, a brief note on the life of Vikram ditya is as follows:
A king named Gardabhilla was ruling the city of Avant of M lawa Prade a righteously. He had two sons, Bh trahari by his first wife Dh mat, and then Vikram by his second wife r mat.
Both the princes gradually reached adolescence. Gardabhilla married his eldest son Bhart hari to Princess Amgasen , the daughter of Rj Bh ma. After that Gardabhilla conquered several countries and established his sovereignty over them.
In course of time R j Gardabhilla died due to acute abdominal pain and the ministers crowned Bhart hari as their king.
One day, insulted by his elder brother Bhart hari, the offended Vikram ditya left Avant kingdom, all alone, taking his sword.
Thus the elder brother Bhart hari was ruling the Avant kingdom while his younger brother Vikram ditya was wandering from place to place.
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