Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 19

He was a cousin and close associate of Shri Krishna. Under the leadership of Shri Krishna Yadavas were challenging the authority of Jarasangha who was therefore planning to invade Mathura. Not being able to withstand his pressure, Yadavas migrated to Dwarka in Saurashtra. Neminäth's family also migrated with them to Dwarka.
Like Krishna, Nemikumar too was dark complexioned, but handsome and charming. Many girls were attracted towards him. Nemikumar was however introvert and did not develop much attachment for the worldly life. He stayed more introspective as he was inclined towards spiritual life. At that time, Ugrasena was the king of Junagadh which is situated at the foot of Mt. Girnar in Saurashtra. By his wife Dharini he had a daughter who was named Räjimati. She is popularly known as Rajul. She grew to be a very beautiful and graceful young girl. Many princes and other promising youths were eager to marry her. When she came to know of Nemikumar, she got enamoured of him and desired to marry him. Ugrasena thereupon sent the offer of her marriage to Nemikumar. This was a welcome proposal for Yadava chiefs. With considerable efforts, friends and family members of Nemikumar therefore persuaded him to accept the offer. Every one was happy by his acceptance since Nem and Rajul could make an ideal couple. The two were then officially engaged and a mutually convenient auspicious day was fixed for their wedding ceremony.
On an appropriate day an elegantly decorated wedding party set off from Dwarka with the handsome Nem as the bridegroom. Large number of people had joined the party because wedding ceremony was going to be gorgeous. Many of them were also keen to climb Mt. Girnar. For King Ugrasena, wedding of his beloved daughter was a once in life time occasion. He had therefore made elaborate arrangements for making it as pleasurable as possible. On the way also, adequate arrangements were made for the fun and food of the bridegroom party. On the appointed day the party came in the vicinity of Mt. Girnar and camped on the outskirts of Junagadh. They were appropriately received by Ugrasena and leading men of the place. It was a fine day. Weather was pleasant and cool sweet wind was blowing from Girnar. Every one on either side was in rejoicing mood and was eager to watch the longed for wedding ceremony. Instructions were given for preparing tasty and delicious food for feasting of the bridegroom party.
Nemikumar too was in the pleasant mood. He got ready for the wedding ceremony and mounted the chariot specially decorated for the purpose. On the way to the wedding place he heard some grinning sound. On enquiring, he learnt that it was emanating from birds and animals that were to be slaughtered for feasting of his entourage. He could not bear the idea of so much violence being caused on account of his wedding. He got pensive and started thinking how to prevent the violence. 'Can there not be a way of life that would extend peace and security to every living being?' he asked himself. As he thought deep into the matter, it was clear to him that he should better explore the way for well being of all. He could visualize that after marriage he would get too much involved in worldly life. Then it would be hard for him to embark upon any exploration of that type. He could realize that it was the time for him to explore the truth that would lead to happiness of every being. He therefore decided to avoid getting married and asked the charioteer to turn back.
Every one on bridgegroom's side was taken aback by his decision. How would they be in a position to explain his sudden decision to the bridal side? His friends and close relatives tried to dissuade him from his decision. He had however made up his mind. Their efforts therefore came to nothing. He calmly explained that it was his mission to explore bliss for all and they should not come in the way of fulfilling that mission. Thereupon he renounced everything and started for Girnar lonely and possessionless. Neminäth, as he came to be known thereafter, stayed on the mount intensely meditating about the cause of all unhappiness. He could realize that ignorance of the true nature of Self led to wrong perception and consequent wrong action that resulted in all sorts of miseries and pain. He therefore dwelt deep into the Self. On the 56th day of renunciation he got fully enlightened and attained omniscience. He then set up afresh the religious order called