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Pratikramana : An Unparalleled Contribution of... : 101
There is an interesting story mentioned in the canonical literature which highlights the significance of Pratikramana and Kșamāpanā. There was a beautiful maid servant in the court of king Udayana of Sindha. Chandrapradyotana, the king of Ujjain heard about her beauty and charm, so he wanted to bring her to his harem. Once when king Udayana was away, he found and opportunity to bring her, he brought her to Ujjain by enticing her. When Udayana returned he came to know of this serious matter, it was a matter of his high prestige and self respect. So he ordered his troops to invade the capital of Chandrapradyotana which forced him to surrender and he was than taken prisoner. After this when Udayana was on his way home, the holy days of Paryūsana followed. King Udayana was a staunch follower of Mahāvīra, he observed his vows and recited Pratikramana Sūtra like a true devotee. When he was reciting the prayer of universal brotherhood, he has friendship will all and enmity with none, he got disturbed about the fact that he had kept Chandra as captive. He realized that it would be a very superficial observance of Pratikramaņa unless the king Chandra is set free. Thus, with absolute sincerity and earnestness Udayana asked Chandra for forgiveness and set him free and also returned his throne honourably. Such stories not only make our literature rich but expound great philosophical and ethical truths.
In context of social implications of Pratikramaņa and the vows of the monks and nuns, few things need to be mentioned. Daśavaikālika Sūtra discusses in detail as to what they are supposed to observe and what is expected of them in their code of conduct. Any violation or transgression of any of the five mahāvratas of Ahiṁsā, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacarya and Aparigraha would call for Prāyaścitta or atonement by them depending in the nature or extent of violation. There is a form system of atonement and also of punishment which is designed to provide orderliness in the Samgha. The canonical literature of Jainas discuss in detail the violations by monk or nuns and there are clear prescriptions for punishment for the transgressions committed, needless to mention that bigger the offence committed, bigger the punishment given. This is to highlight the fact that no society can function without
