Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 38

ARDRAKUMAR
bhaykumar was the Prince of Magadh. Once upon a A time, he received a present from a prince hailing from a non-Aryan country. Hence, the Prince of Magadh sent an image of Lord Rishabhdeo to him in return.
The recipient prince whose name was Ardrakumar began to examine the present. He could not understand what to do with it. He wondered whether it was a kind of ornament to be worn on his body. And, if so, what part of the body could he adorned by it? While thinking thus, he stared at the image and a sudden thought flashed in his mind. He realised that his inner being was in unison with the image, and he felt very happy.
This experience left him agitated, and therefore, he decided to visit India, the land of the Aryans, and to embrace monkhood. But his visit required permission from the king who was also his father.
It was easy to go to India by the sea-route; but, the sea voyage needed the king's permission. He was, however, not allowed to leave by sea. Hence, he decided to travel by land, even though it was a difficult route.
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