Book Title: Jain Legend Vol 4
Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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Page 142
________________ In spite of his reformatory deeds like prohibition of animal slaughter and construction of 1440 monasteries and the resultant name and fame that he acquired, it did not satisfy the spiritual aspiration of Kum rap la. His mind and soul were filled with passionate desire to acquire immortal fame like Vikram ditya, the pioneer of a new era who gave his due to the world and made his life meaningful. He often requested his guru Hemacandra S ri to help him acquire such extraordinary supernatural power (Siddhi). Yielding to the reiterated entreaties of Kum rap la, c rya Hemacandra S ri sent a message to his preceptor Devacandra S ri on behalf of King Kum rap la and the congregation of Pa a a, inviting him to Pa a a to perform a certain significant task. When he read the letter, c rya Devacandra S ri thought that probably it might be some important work of congregation. So within a few days he reached Pa a a and enquired King Kum rap la and his disciple about the work of congregation. Both of them requested, “O Lord! To enrich the glory of Jina order, please reveal to us the secret of Swar asiddhi (golden touch)." The moment his disciple uttered the word ‘Swar asiddhi”, the preceptor became furious. Shoving him away, the c rya said in a firm voice, “You are not at all worthy of Swar asiddhi. How can a supernatural power be bestowed to an undeserving person like you? You will not be conferred with this power under any circumstances.” Turning towards Kum rap la next, he said, “O King! You are not blessed enough to attain a power like Swar asiddhi. Announcing prohibition of animal slaughter in 18 regions and by constructing many monasteries you have acquired great merit (pu ya) and ameliorated both this world and the other world. What more do you aspire?” Thus disapproving his disciple and the King, crya Devacandra S ri left A ahillapura and embarked on his religious travel, and while doing so, he once again came back to the place from where he had proceeded to Pa a a. This incident of Swar a Siddhi associated with Hemacandra and Kum rap la has been described in Jain literature from centuries. Probably the motive behind such a supplication was the strong desire of Kum rap la to transform Jainism into a universal religion and nothing else. 142

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