Life and Stories of Jaina Savior Parcvanatha

Author(s): Maurice Bloomfield
Publisher: Maurice Bloomfield

Page 21

Introduction
Vidyudgati, taking the vow, makes over his kingdom to Kiranavega. Kiranavega also, in time, turns from concerns of the body to those of the soul, and makes over the kingdom to his son Kiraṇatejas. Kiranavega goes to Puşkaradvipa, and passes some time in penance on the mountain of Vaitāḍhya in company with an image of the Jina. The soul of the kurkuța-serpent is reborn as a great serpent (mahāhi).16 Owing to their prenatal hostility the serpent bites Kiranavega, who dies forgivingly, and is reborn as a god in Jambūdrumāvarta.17 The serpent is burned by a forest-fire, and goes to the Dhumaprabha hell.18
The soul of the former Kiraṇavega, in due time, falls from its high estate, and is reborn as Prince Vajranābha, son of Lakṣmivati,19 queen of Vajravīrya, king of Cubhamkara.20 He grows into every bodily and mental perfection, so as to become fit mate for Vijaya, daughter of King Candrakanta of Badgadeça. While still heirapparent, Vajranabha, together with an infidel cousin of his, Kubera, is converted by the sage Lokacandra. His father, King Vajravīrya, retires from the world; Vajranabha, after him, rules piously and righteously with his queen Vijaya, who presents him with a son, Cakrayudha. Vajranabha, in turn, has misgivings as to stability of the world and its attractions; appoints Cakrayudha his successor; takes the vow with the Jina Kṣemamkara; and wanders as a mendicant to Sukachavijaya. In the mean time the soul of the serpent, returning from hell,
16 Fourth pre-birth of the Kamatha soul.
"Fifth pre-birth of the Marubhuti soul.
18 Fifth pre-birth of the Kamatha soul. L. calls this stage, pañcamapṛthivināraka.
1 L. corruptly, akṣimataya bharyāyāḥ.
30 Sixth pre-birth of the Marubhuti soul.