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N-12
TranslationKarakandu was king of Kalinga; Dvimukha, of Pancāla; Nami of Videha; (and) Naggai of Gāndhāra. These exellent kings adopted the doctrine of the Jinas; after having placed their sons on the throne they (renounced the world and) exerted themselves as ascetics (śramanas)." These four ancient kings were enlightened at the sight of i.a bull, 2. a banner, 3. the sound of the bangles and 4. the mango tree in blossoms - as stated in the following verse : Vasahe ya imdakeü, valae ambe ya puppinie bohi/ Karakandu dummuhassā, namissa gamdhăraranno
ya/
The story of karakandu in the works of the Svetämbara writers is nearly the same but the story associated with him in the works of the Digambara writers shows marked differences and further elaboration. The stories of these very four pratyekabuddhas along with the circumstances leading to their enlightenment are also found in the Buddhist Jātaka called Kumbhakâra (No. 408, Vol. III 376). For details vide Introduction to Kanānya-Tigam, A Prakrit Reader, ed. by Dr. A. M Ghatage, Bharat Book, Stall, Kolhapur, 1950.
The explanation of Karakandu as given in the text runs as follows:
The boy Avakirnka used to play with other boys. He used to say to them "I am your King. Give me tribute (Kara')". Once he suffered from dry scab. He again said to them, "Scratch ('kandūyaha') me" Then he was given the name Karakandu (Tax-scratch). This
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