________________
22
INTRODUCTION
2
.
arguments. - Siddhasena with his throat choked with joy and admiration, admitted that he was vanquished, and asked the old man to accept him as his disciple. Ho further added that it was his solemn vow that whosoever vanquished him could make him his own disciple. Accordingly, the. Sūri consecrated him as a Jaina monk and nicknamed him as. Kumudacandra. In a short time Siddhasena became well-versed in all the sacred lores of the Jainas where-upon his preceptor raised him to the position of an Ācārya and gave hira bis original name Siddhasena. He then put him at the head of the Gaccha. After that his preceptor went to another place on his religious tonr.
Once upon a time, Siddhasena during his wanderings met the King Vikramāditya. The King instead of formally saluting him saluted in mind. The Sūri under. stood it all and offered his benediction to him in a loud voice by saying Dharmalābha. The King was very much pleased at the cleverness of the Sūri and gave him a crore of golden coins and ordered his treasurer to note down that the said sum was given by him to Siddhasena who gave benediction to him ( the King ) even from a distance. Afterwards Siddhasena was requested by the King to accept the gift but the Sūri flatly refused to accept it and asked the King to use it in whatever manner he chose. King Vikramāditya understood his point, ear-marked the sam for the use of. Jainas and for repairing Jaina temples in his kingdom. ..
, .. Once, while wandering, Siddhagena arrived at Citrakūta. There on one side of the mountain he saw a pillar.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
