Jain Stories

Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 5

MEGH KUMAR
[5) MEGH KUMAR (Kind to all Creatures)
(1) Megh Kumar, the son of King Shrenik was an elephant in his previous birth and lived in a forest. With the sense of fear of forest fires, the elephant cleared ants. arass and trees. Unfortunately, one day a fire broke out in the forest. The elephant reached that place and all the other animals also took shelter in that ground area. It got very crowded. The elephant raised his leg to scratch his body at that very moment a rabbit took refuge in the space where the elephant's leg was. To save the rabbit, the elephant kept his leg up in the air and balanced his body on three legs for two and a half days continuously. (2) When the fire subsided and all the animals left, the elephant tried to put his leg down but it was so numb that he couldn't balance himself and fell. He died of pain and starvation. (3) Due to the fruits of kindness towards the rabbit, in its next birth, the elephant took birth as Prince Megh Kumar. After listening to the sermons of God Mahavir, he decided to renounce the world. King Shrenik offered him crown, at once Megh Kumar asked for, Rajoharan- (a means for protecting leaving creatures), Patra (begging bowls) and Monk's robes (4) He left his palace, kingdom, and all his worldly pleasures and God Mahavir gave him Diksha (monkshood). (5) When he learnt about his previous birth of elephant and its kindness from God Mahavir, he was inspired and gave up all the attachment for his body. He went on Anshan (to fast without food and water until death). (6) With highly virtuous mental state, his soul left his body and became Deity in Anuttar heaven, the highest heavenly kingdom. Salutes to Megh Kumar.
Inspired By: Jain Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusuriswarji Maharajsaheb