________________
732
Avanti where he lived as a captive for some time. He remained loyal as a captive, and as a result of his services, he secured amnesty, and he exercised his own intelligence in taking the King to Rajgriha in fetters from the public market; but then he was also set free. King Chanda Pradyota was a loyal adherent of Lord Mahavira.
This narrative bears out the fact that King Canda Pradyota was irritable and licentious and he had enjoyed a long term of life. At the same time, he was chivalrous and heroic, and he had domination over so many feudatory princes. He was a follower of Jainism and he had once to wage war with Udayana of Vitabhaynagar.
King Udayana, of Vitabhayanagar, the capital of Sindhhad a warfare with Chandapradyota. The hunch backed maid servant named Devadatta, of Udayana had been transformed into pearless beauty by the sincere adoration of the idol of Arhat, and she had secured that idol in her possession. Chanda Pradyota abetted this maid and the idol was also taken in company. Udayana sent word for the idol to be returned but it fell on deaf years with King Pradyota. Udayana thereupon declared hostility and attacked, Udayana took King Pradyota a captive. The maid escaped. The idol was left there and Udayana as a penalty to King Pradyota got imprinted on his forehead words “Dāsipati". He took Pradyota with him as a captive to his city. On the way, they had to observe the Paryushana Parva. On the Lord Day Pradyota and all his family were to observe complete fast so Pradyota was consulted regarding the preparation of meals. He informed that he was also to observe a fast as his parents were Jais but he had lost memory of the religious day in distress. On hearing this, Udayana felt that Pradyota then was his co re. ligionist, and as such his Pratikramana would not be pure unless he begged and offered forgiveness to Pradyota, With this thosght he was set free, and he got instead a golden belt on his forehead. Due and mutual apology was made, and he was allowed unconditionally to return to his land. Subsequently, King
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
