Jain Legend Vol 4

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

Page 83

first bright day in Vai kha month, in Vikram 1169. The ceremony was held in all splendour in Mah v ra temple that was constructed by Devabhadr c rya in Cittauda. He was given the ascetic name - ‘Jinadatta S ri'.
One day in Cittauda itself, Devabhadr c rya noticed that Jina ekhara had deviated from the observance of a certain vow related to monk conduct. So Jina ekhara was expelled from the gaccha. Jina ekhara went and sat in a place on the outskirts of the city on the way to the jungle where Jinadatta S ri usually goes to defecate etc. The moment Jinadatta S ri came there. Jina ekhara fell on his feet and implored, "O Best of S ris! Please forgive my offence. I shall never repeat such an offence in the future.”
The ocean of compassion, Jinadatta S ri exonerated Jina ekhara and allowed him to stay back in the congregation. When Devabhadr c rya listened to the incident, (perhaps Jinadatta himself might have told him) he admonished him saying, “Jina ekhara may prove to be unpropitious to
you.”
Jinadatta S ri said, “O Virtuous S ri! I am aware of it; but we must keep in mind that this is the same Jina ekhara who followed c rya r like a shadow, who left the Temple dweller tradition and joined here. Therefore let us stand by him as long as he stays with us."
Thus after counselling Jinadatta S ri, that he should undertake religious wanderings to other places for some time. Devabhadr c rya set out for his monastery.
Jinadatta S ri was in a dilemma, as to which direction he should start his religious wandering. Aspiring for an answer, he observed the vow of three day fasting with meditation and mentally recalled his teacher r Harisimha S ri. On the third night of the three days vow of fasting (telavrata) the departed teacher manifested and asked, "Why did you summon me?" Jinadatta S ri asked, "Where shall I proceed for my religious wanderings?"
"Wander in the desert areas." Was the reply received by Jinadatta S ri.
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