Sahajanandaghana Gurugatha

Author(s): Pratap J Tolia
Publisher: Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation

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• "You might have heard about Kunik Ajat Shatru?" I replied: "Yes, definitely, I have not only heard, but has also read and studied, because I was a student of History. "Oh! it is good then. You easily understand everything. When you know the story of Kunik Ajat Shatru, you will definitely be knowing the story of
Page 4 the war of Vaishali, which is named by the history as "Mahashil Kantaka" war and "Rathmoosal" war (the war which consisted of these giant weapons of that time made of big iron thorns and iron pestles)".
. I spoke out enthusiastically - "Yes, I know. Not only the story of the war, but also the
background of the war is known to me. Shrenik Bimbisar had before his death given one "Gandhahasti" (fragrant Elephant who spreads fragrance from his naval) and a Divine Garland consisting of eighteen pearl-springs to one of his sons by name Bihalla. By wearing that Garland and riding on the Gandhahasti Elephant, Bihalla used to go daily for a bath in the Ganges along with his inmate women. This matter slowly became talk of the town. People started telling - "Kunik is the king only for sake of the name. Bihalla only is enjoying the real kingly pleasures." Queen Padmavati heard this tale of the masses & she went to Kunik out of jealousy and asked for that Gandhahasti Elephant and Garland. Kunik called Bihalla and ordered him to give Gandhahasti and the Garland.
Bihalla said, "I can give both of these things to you on one condition if you give me half of our father's Kingdom."
But it was not possible for Kunik to pay this price. Therefore Bihalla not only left the kingly assembly, but also Kunik's Kingdom of Magadha and went away to Vaishali. He took away along with him that Gandhahasti and also the Garland, because Kunik will grab away both of these things any time. When Kunik came to know about this, he sent Ambassador to Chetek and said, “Return Bihalla to me together with the Gandhahasti and the Garland" but Chetek did not agree to this, since Bihalla was his grandson and also he had taken shelter under him. Kshatriyas (warrior community) never release those who have come unto their shelter. Therefore kunik reluctantly decided to invade Vaishali."
The Cobra said- "This is half truth." This is only the immediate and
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