Jinamanjari 1998 09 No 18

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 13

knowing the destruction and despair the elephant had caused, goes to catch the elephant. He skilfully strikes elephant's temple with arrows and wounds him deeply. With a harsh shriek, the elephant collapses to the ground feeling the pain and unconscious. The king's men then rush to the scene and the subdued elephant was caught.
On another time, Vārāṇasi was menaced by robbers and thieves. At this time the citizens reported to the king that theft was being committed by robbers in the city, something which was never heard of before. They requested protection. Hearing this, the king immediately called his men and commanded them to catch the robbers within seven days. This was the time to act for Agađadatta. He went to the king and promised that he would catch the thief within seven days. The king grants him the permission.
It is known that thieves go in different guise to rob places and people. So, Agadadatta dressed in tattered and dirty clothes goes in and around the city looking for the thieves. Within seven days, he catches them submits to the king. The stolen wealth of the people is returned, and Agadadatta is honoured by the king, as well the king offered his daughter in marriage. Thus, he begins his life happily at Vārāṇasi.
The news of Agadadatta being successful in Vārāṇasi reaches his parents back home in Sankhapura. His parents send him message desiring to see him. He takes the permission from the king to go to his country to see his parents, and prepares for his journey. In the meanwhile, he comes across with Madanamañjari who insists him to take her along with. They both begin the journey to Sankhapura.
As they travel towards Sankhapura, Agadadatta encounters king Billa, who is well equipped with arms and weapons, and surrounds him on all sides. No sooner Agadadatta identifies Billa, he turns his horses and chariot towards him and the fight begins with showering arrows on one another. As the fight continues, Agadadatta realises Billa's superiority as well as his weakness. Immediately, he asks Madanamañjars to sit in front of the chariot in order to divert Billa, who in turn, was stunned by cupid beauty, succumbs to the hit in the chest with an arrow. Wounded and bleeding, Billa falls to the ground, and his men including his five younger brothers disheartened by the death of their king, run away from the field.
Agadadatta continues the journey through the forest. On the way, a mendicant carrying a trident and a pot in hand approaches and begs that he would like to join the caravan to Sankhapura. After passing through certain country, they camp in a mountain-stream surrounded by lush greenery for rest. The mendicant then explains that he could obtain
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