Some Historical Jaina Kings and Heros

Author(s): Kamtaprasad Jain
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

Page 20

Videha country. He was the son of King Siddhartha. His mother queen Trashala Priyakarini was a daughter to King Chetaka- a powerful King at whose call the Licchavis and Mallas rallied together for the purposes of defence and offence. He was born in the town of Kundanagara, a suburb. of Vaisali and an important seat of the Jnatrikas. On his birthday the prisoners in Kundanagar were released and the town wore a joyful appearance, Since his birth marked the increment of wealth, fame and merit to the family, Mahavira's parents named him Vardhamana (the Prosperous One). Indra, the lord of celestial beings gave him the name of Ati-Vira, secing that he would victoriously extirpatc the Karma-cnemy. Two Charana ascetics, Sanjaya and Vijaya by name, once visited Kundanagar and privileged to see the prince Vardhamana, had the filth of doubt expunged from their hearts. They saluted the child and adorned him with thc namc Sanmati. Prince Vardhamana grew into a handsome and powerful youthnonc being cqual to him in strength, beauty and wisdom. From his very boyhood he displayed the heroic aspect of his matchless personality. Once the princcs in Kundapura were playing in youthful mirth and joy. All of a sudden a large and terrible cobra appcarcd among them. Panic-stricken,