Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 33

King Chandapradyot of Malwa was one of the most powerful rulers during the times of Lord Mahavir. His queen Shivädevi was the elder sister of Chellana, the most beloved queen of Shrenik, the king of Magadha. Being highly ambitious, once Pradyot invaded Magadha. As he was proceeding towards Räjgruhi with his large army, Shrenik could not make out how to effectively counter him. His son and the prime minister Abhaykumar however told the king not to worry, because he had his own plan to handle the situation. Abhaykumar arranged for burying valuable treasures on the southern outskirts of Räjgruhi, where the invading army was expected to camp. On reaching Räjgruhi, Pradyot camped on that site and sent a message to Shrenik to surrender. Abhaykumar, on the other end, sent an apparently secret message to Pradyot stating that his father had effectively bribed Pradyot's generals, who would not seriously fight against Magadha's army and Pradyot was therefore running a grave risk. The message contended that Pradyot being the husband of the beloved aunt Shivädevi whom Abhaykumar revered, he was concerned about the well being of Pradyot and therefore he had sent the secret message. The message added that if Pradyot had any doubt about the message, he could inspect under the ground where his generals were camping and he would notice there the treasures received by them from Shrenik. When Pradyot did accordingly, he came across the treasures that Abhaykumar had buried there earlier. Pradyot was therefore convinced about the truth of the secret message. He got scared and hurriedly withdrew from Räjgruhi.
On reaching his capital Ujjayini (Ujjain), he called for the explanation of the generals. They solemnly affirmed that they were loyal to him and Abhaykumar had effectively tricked him to withdraw. Pradyot also could see the game of Abhaykumar and decided to get hold of him anyhow. He made an offer of a fancy prize for any one who could bring Abhaykumar to Ujjayini. One city dancer accepted the bid. She arranged for acquiring enough knowledge of Jain rituals and formalities. Then along with two young girls she went to Räjgruhi in the guise of pilgrims. They started going to the temple where Abhaykumar used to go for worship.
Once Abhaykumar saw them praying very devotedly. He was much impressed by their devotion. At the end of the prayer, he inquired about their names, place of residence, etc. She replied that she was the widow of a wealthy man of Ujjayini and the two girls were her daughters in law who had also been unfortunately widowed. The girls wanted to renounce but she had persuaded them to undertake pilgrimage of important places of Worship prior to renouncing. Abhaykumar felt very compassionate that misfortune had befallen on that deeply religious family. He invited them to his place for lunch. The woman contended that they had been on fast that day. Abhaykumar therefore invited them to come to his place the next morning for termination of the fast. Like a deeply religious lady, she replied, 'Who knows what is going to happen the next moment? It is therefore preposterous to make any plan beforehand.' Abhaykumar was too much impressed by her deep religious thinking and sent the invitation the next morning. After termination of the so called fast, he requested them to stay in Räjgruhi for a few days so that he could get the benefit of serving them. The woman agreed to do so after showing some hesitation.
Once the woman invited Abhaykumar to her place for dinner. That time she gave him drinks mixed with Chandrahas wine that brings forth drowsiness. He thus fell in deep slumber. She had made elaborate plans for such event. He was accordingly smuggled out of Räjgruhi during the sleep and was then carried to Ujjayini under escort. She then presented him to Pradyot who put him into captivity in his palace.
Of all his belongings, Pradyot valued queen Shivädevi, messenger Lohjangh, royal elephant Analgiri and chariot Agnibhiru as the most precious ones. At that time, Bhrugukutch(Bharuch in Gujarat) was the most important port on the western coast and was under control of Malwa. Lohjangh being a fast rider, he could travel from Ujjayini to Bhrugukutch within a day. He had to bring frequent messages from Ujjayini. The implications of the messages being adverse to the local people, they detested him. In order to get rid of him, once while he was returning, they placed poisoned sweets in his travel kit. Lohjangh somehow avoided food on his way and reaching Ujjayini he presented the sweets to the king. Before any of them could eat the sweets,