Jainism For Beginners Level 01

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 98

3. bhagawan
neminath
ong time ago, the Yadava clan had
Yamuna in India. Mathura and Sauripuri were the major centers of the Yadava community. They are located in the presentday state of Uttar Pradesh. The Yadava king, Samudravijay, was ruling over Sauripuri with his wife, Shivadevi. Lord Neminath was born to them and was named Nemkumar. When he was in his mother's womb, she dreamt of a series of black jewels, called Arista. He is therefore also known as Aristanemi.
King Vasudev, the younger brother of king Samudravijay was the king of Mathura. He had two queens. Queen Rohini had a son named Balram (Padma) and Queen Devaki had a son named Shri Krishna. Both Balram and Shri Krishna were the ninth Baldev and Vasudev as per jain Tradition. Shri Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu (God) in Hindu religion.
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During this time hunting was a favorite sport and gambling was considered a respectable activity. Animals were sacrificed on the altar in religious ceremonies, and non-vegetarian diet was very popular.
Also at this time, the whole area of central India had been disturbed due to the prevailing conspiracies among various kingdoms. King Kamsa and the oppressive king Jarasangha of Magadha were the worst. King Jarasangha was Prativasudev as per Jain tradition.
away
In order to protect the people and get from these everyday problems, various kings of the Yadava clan, including Samudrav ijay, Va su dev, Ugrasen, and Shri Krishna migrated from Mathura and Sauripuri to the West Coast of Gujarat, India. Shri Krishna constructed the large and beautiful town of Dvarka on the seacoast near the Raivatak (Girnar) Mountain. Its grand architecture and strong fortification made it heavenly, beautiful and unconquerable.
Ugrasen became the king of Junagadh, situated on the other side of the foothills of Mount Girnar. By his wife Dharini, he had a daughter named Rajimati or Rajul. She was a very beautiful and graceful young girl. Many prince were eager to marry her. However, when she came to know of Nemkumar she became captivated by him and desired to marry him. King Ugrasen sent a request of
LIFE SKETCH OF TIRTHANKARAS