Prince Shrenik Diwakar Chitrakatha 015

Author(s): Devendramuni, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai

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PRINCE SHRENIK
Shrenik, the king of Magadh was the leading king amongst the followers of Bhagwan Mahavir. He was the king from the generation of Shishunag, well known personality in history.
Jain history knows him as Shrenik Bhambhasar, while a historian writes him as Bimbisar Shrenik. According to the jain literature, Shrenik saved Bhambha (royal symbol) when the palace caught fire and thus he was famous as “Bhambhasar".
Shrenik's father, king Prasenjit was the follower of Bhagwan Parshwanath. Shrenik's religion by heredity was Jain, but during the period of refugee from Magadh, he was impressed by good behaviour of a Buddha Acharya and as he had predicted that Shrenik will become the king of Magadh, Shrenik remained under his impression for some time. This is the reason which kept him away from jain religion during his wedding with the daughter of king Chetak but later due to Chelana's efforts and contact with Anathi Muni he again came closer to Jain religion. And he became the devotee of Bhagwan Mahavir.
Shrenik was very intelligent, brave, adventurous and an expert ruler. Before he became the king, he had to wander and for a long period he disappeared. A merchant's daughter, Nanda married him by getting impressed by his sharp intellect and the qualities of coming from good family. Nanda herself was very intelligent and religious minded. Abhaykumar, Nanda's son inherited good qualities from her mother.
Jain literature gives many interesting stories related to the lives of Shrenik Abhaykumar. The given picture story is limited till Shrenik becomes the king. The credit of making Rajgruh a prosperous city of East India also goes to Shrenik.
This interesting historical story is composed by Acharya Shree Devendra Muniji. We are thankful to him.
Written by: Acharya Shree Devendra Muni ji
Managing Editors: Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Compilation: Srichand Surana 'Saras'
Art Work: Shyamal Mitra
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