Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 247

18th Epochal- c rya rya Vajra Sw m
c rya Vajra Sw m occupies a very important place among the influential c ryas of Jain order. The most unique and amazing fact of his life is that as soon as he was born, he had the memory of his previous births. From the very first day of his life, he was completely detached from the world and all through his life; he worked for spiritual development of his own self as well as others.
re hi Dhana, the grandfather of rya Vajra Sw m was the resident of Tumbavana in Avant. He was counted amongst the wealthiest, distinguished and eminent people of Avant. Because of his virtues like generosity, magnanimity & kindness, his name and fame spread across the land of ryas.
In those days a merchant named Dhanap la lived in Tumbavana, who owned immense wealth and property. He had a son called Samita and a daughter called Sunand who was the most beautiful and most virtuous girl. His son Samita, enlightened by the sermon of rya Simhagiri, at a very young age itself relinquished all the wealth that he inherited and with great detachment took initiation into ascetic life from rya Simhagiri.
When Sunand reached the marriageable age, Dhanap la was concerned about finding a worthy and well-matched groom for her. Finally he felt that Dhanagiri, son of Dhana, who was equal to him in caste, wealth and character, was an appropriate match for his daughter and so put forth the marriage proposal.
Though averse to the worldly passions, Dhanagiri had to succumb to the loving entreaties of Dhanap la. Eventually the marriage of Sunand and Dhanagiri took place with great pomp and show, in a joyous environment. The newly married couple led their marital life in a more or less self-restraint manner. After a few days a great and fortunate soul entered the womb of Sunand .
With the auspicious dream indicating the pregnancy, the couple was confident that they would beget a very blessed son. As the pregnancy of Sunand progressed, so did her happiness progress.
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