________________
visit to her father-in-law's palace, she does not treat him with proper respect. Consequently he manages very skilfully, that king Padmanabha should kindnap her. We do not know of any such incident or episode from the Mbh. Of course, there is that incident when Jayadratha tried to take her away forcibly but was foiled in his attempt. Here she is carried away while she was asleep by the side of Yudhiṣṭhira, and it was ultimately Kṛṣua alone who brings her back. On their return journey, the Pandavas so offend Kṛṣua that he punishes them severely and banishes them away from their kingdom. This also is a Jain addition. The Mbh. does not know of a single incident when there was a difference of opinion between Kṛṣṇa and the Pandavas. In fact his word was always law to them. He was their friend, philosopher and guide. Then in their old age the Pandavas become monks. Draupadi is also initiated into the order, and all of them ultimately attain Moks'a. Pandavas are the cousins of Krṣṇa, Kunti being Krsua's aunt.
Kṛṣua's assuming the form of a 'Nara-simha' the Lionman, is also to be noted. According to the Hindu mythology it is an Avatara of Vis'ņu, for killing the demon Hiraṇyakas'ipu.
xix
The style of the Ardhamagadhi Prose works is, according to Winternitz, "Dry as dust". But the present text certainly is an exception to that. Here we get many interesting stories, though they are mostly meant to be primarily didactic. The Ninth Chapter contains the descriptions of a shipwreck which is unique in the Canonical Literature. And, on the whole, the story interest is well maintained in both the Chapters
Appendix (ii)
Textual and General Questions :—
I
Give the Synopsis of: (1) the Ninth Chapter; (2) the story of Nagas'ri; (3) the story of Sukumarika; and (4) the story of Draupadi,
(1) Description of the shipwreck; (2) description of the Seasons; (3) The way in which the Deity tries to win over the minds of the two merchant's sons.
II
I
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
