________________
Jahangir's relation with Spiritual Jaina Leaders
:
175
and there, Vijayasena Sūri, the head of the Tapāgaccha and later on, Raja Vikramajit who was appointed as the Viceroy of Gujarat, accompanied the Jaina-monks. In the local upăśraya, the Raja, accompanied by Siddhicandra, performed the worship of the deities and issued a proclamation by beat of drum, prohibiting animal slaughter. From 1607 to 1610, Bhānucandra and Siddhicandra stayed in Gujarat. While their stay in Gujarat, an incident took-place. A Jaina-lady, named Lali, installed the idol of Tīrthankara. The occasion was celebrated with festivities on a very grand scale. Jaina congregations from all towns and villages flocked to Patan. While the 'Jalayātrā procession was in progress, an order, prohibiting the ceremony, was issued by the Governor, Mirza Sadulla by name. A wave of grief overwhelmed the crowd, which a moment age was in high spirits. All activities came to a sudden stop, and none knew what to do. A deputation consisting of the leading members of the congregation waited upon the Governor; but, they were rudely insulted by him. At last accompanied by the leading members of the congregation, Siddhicandra confidently went to the residence of Mirza Sadulla, the governor, and requested him to tell him the reason why the performance of a good and harmless ceremony was prohibited by him. He also warned him that such an attitude on his part would mean the end of all relationship between them. On hearing this reprimand, the Governor felt ashamed and inquired of Siddhicandra what he should do to please him. The latter asked him to accompany him to the upāśraya, to see his master there, and to attend the Jalayātrā Mahotsava'. The Governor accompanied to comply with his request. Thus triumphed the good over the wicked who meant trouble. Then the Upādhyāya, having passed monsoons at Vatapadra (Baroda) and Gandhara, halted at Patan duing the next monsoon."
While their stay at Ahmedabad, the Deputy of Jahangir, named Jahangir Quli Khan, eonveyed the message of the Emperor that he desired that Bhānucandra and Siddhicandra should go to Agra ad see
