Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 86

curiosity, he could notice the dead body and the arrested murderers. At first he too felt that the minister was lying dead there. But as he drew closer, he could see that it was the dead body of the messenger.
For a while, the chief wondered why those culprits might have killed the innocent messenger. But the robe and the royal insignia on the dead body made it evident that the messenger must have been taken as the minister. The matter became plain, when the assailants were identified as the men of Sursen. It was clear that the messenger was killed as apart of the plan of Sursen to kill the minister. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the chief took over the custody of the assailants and putting them in chains, he immediately brought them in the presence of the king.
The king was mad to see the men of Sursen in front of him. It was clear from his face that he would administer severe punishment to the assailants for what they intended to do. The fear was writ large on the face of culprits. The only way to save themselves from the wrath of the king was to confess the entire design of Sursen. They fell on their knees and beseeched the pardon of the king, assuring him that they would leave Sursen forever and would thenceforth remain faithful to the king. Because they also agreed to disclose the secrets of Sursen, the king decided to spare their lives. He entrusted them to the custody of the police chief with the instructions that the entire plan of Sursen should be reported to him in the morning.
The next morning the police chief could brief the king about the entire plan of Sursen inclusive of the size of his army and the locations where he had stored his weapons and other equipment. The problem, that was perplexing his mind and for which he had to summon his minister the previous evening, was thus automatically solved. He therefore sent for Sumitra and honorably handed back to him the ministerial robe and the royal insignia. He appreciated the way Sumitra stood firm in the religious practice even at the cost of losing his position. He could also realize that resorting to the religion helps in the routine life as well. Some unseen forces seem to be at work to solve the problems of the true devotees. From that time the king therefore decided to lead the religious life.
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Ächärya Sthulibhadra
King Shrenik belonged to Shishunag dynasty which came to an end with the death of his great grandson Udayi. Nand dynasty then took over the Magadha. There were nine Nands one after another and Dhananand was the last king of that dynasty. He was very greedy and eager to accumulate wealth. He was keen to know about a hidden treasure belonging to his predecessors. His old prime minister Shaktäl who was holding the office since the time of Dhananand's father, was supposed to know about it. Dhananand tried his utmost to get the information, but Shaktäl did not provide any indication of the treasure. He was therefore forced to retire and the administration was entrusted to other trusted ministers. Shaktäl was learned and knowledgeable. Many scholars and highly placed officials liked to consult him. Hardly any one however dared to go to him because every one was feeling afraid of the displeasure of the king. The capability of Shaktäl thus remained mostly unutilized.
Shaktäl had two sons named Sthulibhadra and Shriyak and seven daughters. Sthulibhadra was smart, brilliant and handsome, but he was easy going. In Patliputra, the capital city, there was a beautiful young city dancer named Kosha. From the very young age, Sthulibhadra used to go to watch her concert. He developed liking for her and she too liked him. Slowly they developed strong attachment for each other. Sthulibhadra therefore left home at the young age of 18 and started living with her. The king had an intention to appoint him in the court, but Sthulihadra was