Udayan and Vasavadatta Diwakar Chitrakatha 039

Author(s): Rameshmuni, Vijaymuni
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai

Page 2

( UDAYAN AND VASAVADATTA
Spite cannot be tamed by spite. Enemies die but animosity continues for generations. The strength of love, goodwill, and humbleness is required to end spite and animosity. The story of Udayan and Vasavadatta reveals this eternal truth.
Shatanik, the king of Kaushambi, and Chandapradyot, the king of Ujjayini, were married to two sisters. However, in spite of being related thus, they became enemies due to territorial ambitions and carnal desires of Chandapradyot, who finally decided to destroy Kaushambi.But queen Mrigavati changed Chandapradyot's attitude with the strength of her farsightedness, understanding serenity and love.
Once again, during the reign of Udayan, Chandapradyot wanted to destroy Kaushambi. But hatred between the two kingdoms was forever ended by the stream of love created by Udayan and Vasavadatta.
The story of Udayan is available in Trishashtishalaka Purush Charitra. Many Vedic and Buddhist authors have also written epics and plays based on this story; one of the better known works being the play 'Svapna Vasavadatta' by the great Sanskrit poet Bhasa.
This picture story is based on the Jain version of the story of Udayan and Vasavadatta. It has been adapted for this picture story by Pravartak Shri Ramesh Muni ji M., a senior ascetic of the Shraman Sangh, and edited by Shri Vijaya Muni ji 'Vikas'. We are indebted to them.
-Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
- Written by : Pravartak Shri Ramesh Muniji
Managing Editors : Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Editor : Shri Vijaya Muni ji 'Vikas'
Translator : Surendra Bothara
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