Jain Stories

Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 6

EMPEROR SAMPRATI
[6] EMPEROR SAMPRATI (Worship to Jinendra, God)
1. Emperor Samprati, in previous birth was a hunger stricken beggar. The beggar saw some Jain Monks with food and begged them for food. The Monks replied, "Only our Guru (Head of monks) is entitled to this food. Therefore, the beggar followed the Monks to their Guru. (2)Guru Shri Arya Suhasti Suriji upon seeing the inner property of the beggar and due to his foresight made the beggar a Jain Monk. Guru fed him well as per his desire. But, that very night, due to over eating the beggar had loose motions and vomiting and all the other Monks looked after him. Singing praises of the Charitrya (Monks life) the monk passed away. (3) In his next birth, the same beggar took birth as Samprati, the grandson of King Ashoka and the King of Ujjain. One day, when he saw the Guru - the same Guruji of his previous birth, he immediately recollected his past life. Humbly, he fell on the feet of the Guruji and asked him to take his kingdom and free him from the obligation. Guruji replied, "Kingdoms don't suit Monks, use your fortunes to propagate and spread the cause of Jain religion." (4) Hence King Samprati opened Daan Shalas (donation houses). (5) He constructed various Jain temples and handsomely rewarded even those who informed him about construction of new Jain temple daily. (6) Construction of temples making of idols is going on salutes to the Great Samprati (spreader of Jain Religion) and to his God & Guru devotion. (7) King Samprati utilized all his resources to make in all 1,25,000 temples and 1,25,00,000 idols of Jain Gods. Even today these idols are worshipped at various places.
Inspired By: Jain Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusuriswarji Maharajsaheb