MAHASATI CHANDANBALA

In Jain scriptures we have narration of many “Satis” (noble women) whose chastity, trustworthiness, patience and endurance were put to the test with all kinds of hardships and difficulties in life.
Among the famous “Satis” the story of Chandanbala is well known. Just as Mahasati Brahmi (daughter of the first Tirhtankar, Lord Adinath) became the leader of nuns during her time, Chandanbala became the leader of Jain nuns during Lord Mahavir’s time.
In the year 600 BC, the king of Champa, Dadhivahan and his wife, Dharini, had a daughter named Vasumati. She grew up to be a beautiful girl. Under the influence of her religious mother, she herself became very religious minded. Because of her calm and gentle nature she was called Chandan (Sandalwood) and later known as Chandanbala.
One day the beautiful princess dreamed that the whole kingdom of Champa was drowning in an ocean of sorrow and in the end she saw that she was the only person who could save it. The nightmare was so frightening, it shook her up. She related the nightmare to her mother with tears. Her mother tried to console her by telling her that the gist of religion is “Not to be overwhelmed by happiness, and never to be discouraged by misery. One can’t fight the power of destiny and Karma. It is needless to worry about it so let us just wait and see what happens.”
Her dream was a premonition to the sorry fate of Champa. King Shatnik of Kaushambi suddenly attacked Champa. His soldiers surrounded the town. He disregarded the treaty that he had signed with Dadhivahan and attacked the kingdom. Dadhivahan called his ministers and asked for advice. The ministers were all mad with rage and wanted war but Dadhivahan explained, “Our army is very small and is not organized nor well-prepared for this sudden attack so there will be unnecessary bloodshed on our side. I will first talk to Shatnik and try to reason with him.”
Dadhivahan went to Shatnik and requested him, “Oh Shatnik, first of all we are both related as our wives are sisters and there is no point in destroying two related families. Secondly, be a man of your own promise and don’t break the treaty that has been signed and honored by us for so many years !” Shatnik said haughtily, “I don’t care for our relation nor do I care for the treaty. All I am interested in is expanding the boundaries of my kingdom. Go back and meet me in the battlefield, or like a coward renounce your kingdom and live in exile.”
Dadhivahan. who was a very religiously inclined person decided he would renounce the kingdom rather than fight a war which would bring unnecessary bloodshed when there was no chance to win at all.
When he told his ministers about his decision to give up without a war, the ministers were very unhappy. They felt humiliated that their king had given up his kingdom without a war. They got all the soldiers together and declared war. Many soldiers fought and many of them were killed by the overpowering army of Shatnik. Finally Shatnik and his men were all over Champa, looting the wealth of the citizens and rejoicing.
Queen Dharini said to her daughter, “Vasumati, your dream has come true. The king has left us, the people of Champa are miserable, and there is no one to protect us know. However, it is better to die than to renounce our beliefs and principles of living.”
Suddenly, a charioteer entered the palace looking for wealth to loot. When he saw the beautiful queen and the princess he forgot about wealth and captured them and took them into a deep jungle. His intentions were not honorable.
When the queen realized that this man was overpowered by lust, she pulled her tongue inward (choked herself), and ended her life to save her honor and chastity rather than be a prey to the desires of that charioteer. The charioteer was really surprised and shocked by the queen’s death. He suddenly came back to his senses and was filled with remorse.
As Vasumati (Chandanbala) stood there looking at her mother, she knew that the only way she could save her honor was to end her life. When she started to choke herself the charioteer started weeping bitterly and said, “Oh Mahasati, Oh princess, you are like a daughter to me. I have already committed a big crime, so I beg you to please come with me and give me a chance to repent for my misdeed.”
She was very unhappy and angry but with her strength of religion she learned to suppress her anger and forgave the charioteer, who called her his daughter, and invited her to stay in his house. Then, they both cremated the queen in the jungle and left for Kaushambi where the charioteer lived.
The charioteer’s wife was waiting for her husband to come home with his chariot loaded with riches from Champa but when the charioteer arrived, his wife saw no sign of wealth, but saw a beautiful girl getting off the chariot.
She was confused and angry and asked the girl, “Who are you ?” (Chandan thought to herself, if I tell this woman the truth, the king of Kaushambi, her uncle, will be very angry and kill the charioteer. So she decided to keep her identity a secret. “Oh mother,” Chandan replied, “The charioteer has adopted me as his daughter and brought me here to live with you.”
The wife could not believe that her husband could be so foolish as to bring a girl with him instead of riches. However, she started to think, may be the charioteer has fallen for the girl’s beauty and someday soon this girl might become his wife and then he will discard me.
Chandan began to live with them. Her stepmother ill-treated her and made her do all the household chores. One day, the charioteer said to Chandan, “Daughter, this is your house. Why do you work like a slave ? Eat well and be happy here.”
When his wife heard this she got angry and said, “Oh yes ! Now I know that she is going to become your new wife soon ! The rich city of Champa was looted; but you, you could not bring anything. I had high hopes that you would at least bring 100 pieces of gold. Instead of wealth you brought me this girl, a big problem, to make me miserable forever. Even now you can sell this girl as a slave and get me 100 pieces of gold. Get me wealth or I will spread the rumor around the own that my husband got himself a new wife and then I will commit suicide.”
The charioteer was angry when he heard this and said. “Do as you please ! You can’t hurt my good name by your false rumors.” Everyday there were heated arguments between the two. Chandan started thinking, “Because of me my adopted parents are so miserable !” She said to her father, “Oh father, why are you talking to my mother with such harsh words. I can’t bear to see you both so unhappy. I want to go and be sold in the market so you can get the money to make my mother happy.” With these words Chandan left the house, and the charioteer with a heavy heart, had no choice but to follow her.
This beautiful princess stood on a platform in the center of the marketplace and began to shout. “Oh people of Kaushambi, I wish to be sold as a slave to any man who is willing to give my father 100 pieces of gold. I can do all the work that could be expected of a slave.” Seeing a beautiful girl in the middle of the marketplace, thousands of people gathered around. Many came forward to strike a deal but none could afford the high price of 100 pieces of gold.
In the afternoon a prostitute who had heard that a beautiful girl was selling herself accepted the offer and started to take the girl home. Chandan asked the prostitute, “Madam, what kind of work will I have to do at your place !” The prostitute said, “Oh my pretty girl, all you have to do is adorn yourself in beautiful clothes and entertain men.” Chandan exclaimed, “Oh madam, please forgive me, but I cannot come with you because I have a religious vow of staying a virgin all my life !” The prostitute was angry and said, “The deal is already made. You have to come with me.” Then she told her maids, “Drag this girl home !”
Chandan started worshipping God and asking for his help. Seeing this the charioteer pulled his sword out of the case and told the maids to leave her. All of a sudden from nowhere came a whole army of monkeys who attacked the prostitute. The monkeys started scratching the prostitute’s whole body with their nails. She was screaming for help but no one wanted to get in the midst of these monkeys.
Suddenly Chandan opened her eyes after meditation and said to the monkeys, “Oh monkeys stop hurting this lady !” The monkeys obeyed and disappeared. The prostitute was surprised to see the girl’s power of worship and strength. She thought, “This girl is a real saint,” and fell at Chandan’s feet and said, “Oh Mahasati ! Please forgive me.” At this time Chandan gave her a sermon on the importance of chastity and the power of worship and meditation. The prostitute was so impressed that she gave up her business of ill-repute forever.
After this incident, Chandan was again shouting “Someone please come forward and buy me.” As she was shouting, the charioteer was weeping and saying to himself. “Oh how unfortunate I am that this pure angel, who was in my home, is moving out today !”
It so happened that in the evening a millionaire by the name of Sheth Dhanna was passing by. When he saw this beautiful angel, he knew right away from her appearance that this was no ordinary girl, but a pure angel. He was willing to buy her, but as he started to pay, Chandan asked, “You are buying me but first let me know what kind of work I will have to do at your house.” Dhanna Sheth said, “Oh daughter, all you will have to do is practice your religion and meditation. When some holy men pass by, please serve them meals at my house so you and my family will both have the opportunity to be blessed.”
Shethji gave 100 pieces of gold to the charioteer. When the charioteer refused to accept the money, Chandan tried to force him to accept it for her mother’s sake. She said, “Oh father if you go home without the pieces of gold my mother will be miserable, and as long as she is miserable you will not have peace. Therefore, you must take it.” Chandan told Shethji to send the gold to the charioteer’s house in a cart. When the charioteer’s wife saw the gold, she was very very happy !
The problem that Chandan tried to get rid of, arose here again. Shethji’s wife, Moola, was extremely jealous of Chandan’s beauty. Though Chandan always addressed Moola as ‘mother’, Moola was still jealous and constantly harassed Chandan. She cursed her and called her names. One of the maids tried to reason with Moola and told her “Oh madam, this girl has a pure and good character. Dispel all your doubts about an affair between your husband and this girl. It is just not true.” Moola became angry and twisted the ear of the maid and threw her out of her house.
One day Chandan had just washed her long beautiful hair and was drying it in the sun. At that moment, Shethji came from work and asked for water to wash his feet. As Chandan was pouring the water on Shethji’s feet, her long hair covered her face and hindered her vision. The simple hearted Shethji held her hair back as she was pouring the water.
When Moola saw this, she was convinced that Shethji had plans to marry Chandan and make her his bride. Shethji suspected that his wife was ill-treating Chandan so he always made sure that Chandan had everything and was not ill-treated.
However, one day Shethji had to leave to tend to business in another town. Moola seized this opportunity and began to beat Chandan. Chandan begged Moola to believe her and told her to put her to test. Moola was angry and said, “OK, now I will test you.” Moola cut Chandan’s beautiful long hair, tied chains on her hands and feet, and locked her in a dark cellar of the house. After locking Chandan in the cellar, Moola went to visit her mother who lived in the same town.
It was four full days and Chandan was still tied up in the dark cellar. Despite her predicament, she was neither unhappy nor angry. She considered this an opportunity for self-perception and meditation.
In the afternoon of the fourth day, Shethji arrived from his trip. He found the house locked so he got his keys and opened the door and started to call, “Is someone home ? Chandan where are you ?” When Chandan heard his voice she said, “Oh father, I am here in the cellar.”
When Shethji saw Chandan chained up, he was so shocked that he fainted. After sometime he regained consciousness and began to cry like a child. She tried to get him up on his feet by saying, “Oh father, I have been hungry for the past three days. Please get up and give me some food.”
Shethji got up and wiped his tears and started looking for food in the kitchen. The only food he found was lentils which had been cooked three days earlier. He could not find a dish or bowl so he made a cone from dried leaves and gave her the lentils. As Chandan got the food, she went on aspiring herself, “Oh, I wish I could share this food with some person.” Shethji had left the house to get a blacksmith to unlock Chandan’s chains.
At this auspicious moment, Lord Mahavir suddenly appeared at the threshold. He was in the twelfth year of penance. He had taken a vow of having thirteen requirements met as a precondition for accepting his alms from any lady at any house meaning that if any of these requirements was missing, he would not take food. The thirteen requirements were:
(1) Good character
(2) Princess
(3) Should have been bought from somewhere
(4) Should have a shaven head
(5) Should be wearing only one cloth
(6) Have chains on her feet
(7) Have handcuffs on her hands
(8) Should be hungry and thirsty for the past three days
(9) Should have one foot inside and one foot outside the threshold
(10) Should be carrying boiled lentils in a cone made from a dried leaf
(11) Should be happy
(12) Should have tears in her eyes
(13) The time should be the third part of the day
Chandan immediately knew that a saint was at her doorstep. She was so happy and excited that she ran up the steps to greet the Lord. Her chains suddenly broke and she was free ! When the Lord looked at her, he thought that twelve of the conditions of my vow are being met here, but I need all thirteen of them to be fulfilled.
So he started to walk away without accepting the alms. As he walked away, Chandan was disappointed and tears began to flow from her eyes. “Oh Lord, if you can’t be with me today, then who will be on my side ? Oh no ! It is not possible ! If God himself walks away from his worshippers, then who will worship him ?”
As soon as the Lord saw tears in the eyes of the girl, all of his conditions were fulfilled and he returned to accept the food. At this moment, the air was filled with songs of Chandan’s praise. “Oh blessed is the daughter of king Dadhivahan and queen Dharini; princess Chandan is a “Mahasati” who has blessed this world by offering the Lord his meal after a fast of more than five months.”
Suddenly, her hair grew back and her beauty was restored. There was a golden throne on which Chandan was seated. There was a shower of gold coins, flowers and other such heavenly objects from heaven.
At this time Moola heard of the shower of gold and came and began to collect the coins. A voice from heaven said “No one should touch those coins ! They are for auspicious celebrations and are to be used when Mahasati renounces the world to become a nun.” Moola was disappointed and returned home where she found the beautiful princess seated on a golden throne.
Chandan stepped down from her throne and said “Oh mother, please come and be seated on the throne.” At this moment, Shethji arrived with the locksmith and was overjoyed to see this scene. Chandan explained the whole story and invited her father to sit on the throne next to her mother.
The news spread far and wide. The charioteer and his wife came to worship her. Even the prostitute who had already given up her trade came to worship the Mahasati. King Shatnik and his queen, Mrigavati, heard the news and came to worship her. They begged for her forgiveness for their ruthless attack on her father’s kingdom and begged her to return with them and live in their palace.
Chandan seized this opportunity to preach to the king and said, “Those palaces, where for the greed of power, people are slaughtered, where unjust greedy people like you live - are you asking me to come there ? Persons like you who forced my father to leave his kingdom, my mother to commit suicide and me to be sold as a commodity in the market ? Now why are you asking me to go to those palaces ?”
Shatnik was very ashamed and begged her to come to his palace so he could wash all the impurity and sins of his palace with the footprints of this holy princess. When he insisted, she sought permission of her father and begged him to let her go. After her first meal, she went to Shatnik’s palace and inquired about her natural father, king Dadhivahan.
People went in search of him in the forest and when they found him they insisted that he must come home for his daughter’s sake. King Shatnik welcomed him, begged for forgiveness and returned Champa to Dadhivahan. Chandan was very happy and they both talked about their lives in the past few years.
After twelve years, Lord Mahavir was enlightened. Indrabhuti and other Brahmins embraced the monkshood with the blessing of Lord Mahavir.
Chandan heard the news and wanted to become a nun. Her family tried to persuade her to marry a prince but she refused and went to Lord Mahavir. All the royal families got together and gave her permission and had a great celebration for her.
Chandan became the leader of the nuns. 36,000 nuns accepted her supervision and obeyed her. After deep meditation, she was enlightened. All the people gathered and shouted: “Victory to the liberated soul of Mahasati Chandanbala !”

BLIND MAN LED BY A LAME MAN

A city caught fire and all the residents vacated the city, whereas a blind man and a lame man could not leave the city. The blind man thought: “Alas, if I could see; I can escape. But, blind as I am, I cannot escape.” The lame man reflected: “Alas ! I cannot walk at all. How can I run away to save myself ?”
The fire was spreading with leaps and bounds and was approaching the place where the blind man and the lame man lived. The lame man was struck with an idea. He said: “Oh blind friend, you are quite robust, you can lift me on your shoulders. And, I will point the way out for both of us to escape. The fire is approaching fast and there is no alternative left for us to save ourselves.”
The blind man welcomed the proposal. He picked up the lame man and both of them with mutual assistance left the city and saved their lives.
MORAL LESSON:
Here the blind man can be compared to a man without the right knowledge while the lame man as a man without practicing religious rites. As neither the blind nor the lame man, alone, could get out of the city, similarly, right knowledge or religious rites, alone, cannot rescue the man from this worldly ocean. When both right knowledge and religious rites, jointly operate, one can escape from the cycle birth and death in this world.

THE FIVE BLIND MEN AND ELEPHANT

Once an elephant came to a small town. People had read and heard of elephants but no one in the town had ever seen one. Thus, a huge crowd gathered around the elephant, and it was an occasion for great fun, especially for the children. Five blind men also lived in that town, and consequently, they also heard about the elephant. They had never seen an elephant before, and were eager to find out about elephant.
Then, someone suggested that they could go and feel the elephant with their hands. They could then get an idea of what an elephant looked like. The five blind men went to the center of the town where all the people made room for them to touch the elephant.
Later on, they sat down and began to discuss their experiences. One blind man, who had touched the trunk of the elephant, said that the elephant must be like a thick tree branch. Another who touched the tail said the elephant probably looked like a snake or rope. The third man, who touched the leg, said the shape of the elephant must be like a pillar. The fourth man, who touched the ear, said that the elephant must be like a huge fan; while the fifth, who touched the side, said it must be like a wall.
They sat for hours and argued, each one was sure that his view was correct. Obviously, they were all correct from their own point of view, but no one was quite willing to listen to the others. Finally, they decided to go to the wise man of the village and ask him who was correct. The wise man said, “Each one of you is correct; and each one of you is wrong. Because each one of you had only touched a part of the elephant’s body. Thus you only have a partial view of the animal. If you put your partial views together, you will get an idea of what an elephant looks like.”
The moral of the story is that each one of us sees things exclusively within one’s point of view. We should also try to understand other people’s points of view. This will enable us to get a proper perspective on different situations and events.
We have to look at religion, truth and reality from a variety of angles of vision. Jainism calls this the relativism or the doctrine of several viewpoints (Syadvad or Anekantvad). Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., have similar theories.

BHUTMATI

In a village named Kanthpur there lived a Brahmin named Bhutmati who was educated at Benaras. He was not married till late in life as he had no proper means of maintenance. He was running a ‘Pathshala’ (religious school) to earn his livelihood.
Some of his followers gave him money for marriage and he married a beautiful Brahmin maiden named Yagnadatta. With the passage of time he became very much attached to her with love and found himself very happy in her company.
Many students from abroad came to his Pathshala for studies. One student named Devdatt was poor and so he was allowed to live with Bhutmati at his place with food provisions. Devdatt made good progress in his studies as he was very clever. Bhutmati also was very fond of him. Devdatt became very friendly with Yagnadatta.
Yagnadatta was young and she found no satisfaction with her husband, Bhutmati. She was attracted to Devdatt. In the meanwhile Bhutmati received an invitation to officiate a ceremony at Mutra city. He was likely to earn some money and fame there, so he decided to attend the event.
While leaving the place he said to his wife: “I cannot bear your separation even for a moment but as we are running short of money I must go. I will return after four months and in the meanwhile you live cautiously and be on your guard.”
Hearing these words, Yagnadatta said: “I cannot live without you even for a day, so postpone your journey for the present.” Bhutmati said: “I equally cannot bear your separation, but grant me leave with pleasure and I will return as soon as I finish my job.” Yagnadatta granted him leave with pleasure and Bhutmati instructed Devdatt to take care of the house and his wife.
Yagnadatta was now alone and she requested Devdatt to enjoy with her sensual pleasures; the only reward of youth. Devdatt was reluctant but later on he stooped to her carnal cravings. Devdatt became proof to all moral consciousness in course of time. Four months had almost passed and Devdatt said: “Now your husband will arrive and drive me out.”
Yagnadatta said: “Don’t worry, I will plan something so that we can live together for ever.” One night Yagnadatta brought from the funeral ground two corpses (male and female) and having placed them on the coach and on the verandah respectively, left the house after setting it on fire.
The fire spread quickly and the crowd tried to extinguish the fire but it took a few hours. They found two corpses totally burnt beyond identification; which were presumed to be the dead bodies of Yagnadatta and Devdatt. The news reached Bhutmati who was simply stunned with regret. He promptly returned to his town to find everything reduced to ashes. He fainted and on regaining consciousness piteously lamented for his beloved wife Yagnadatta and wept for Devdatt too with words of affection.
A Brahmin friend who knew of the illicit communion of Yagnadatta and Devdatt said, “The wise don’t lament after the happenings. Most women are very cunning and so it does not befit you to rely on a woman so much.”
His words were true but a man under delusion could not find them palatable. Bhutmati on the contrary said to his Brahmin friend: “How dare you preach to me ? I am quite clever to judge the character of my wife Yagnadatta. I can’t erase her grace and virtues from my mental screen. Oh, Yagnadatta, when shall I see you ? Oh ! Devdatt, you too have left me.”
That Brahmin friend said: “Even the sense of highly learned men get stagnant under intense delusion as you don’t hear relish my words which are beneficial for you. Whatever her character, you shall not see her now, therefore, cast aside your attachment for her and pray to God for making the best of your life you have left”.
All his well-wishers left after expressing their felt condolences. Bhutmati having packed the ashes of the (presumed) dead bodies of his wife and friend left Kanthpur early the next morning to offer them to the waters of the sacred river Ganga.
Now watch the mysterious designs of fate. No sooner did Bhutmati enter a town near Ganga, he accidentally ran into Yagnadatta and Devdatt, who happened to be living there. They were extremely shocked to see Bhutmati face to face, but there was no alternative for them but to fall at Bhutmati’s feet. They said, “Oh Learned Scholar, pardon us. We repent much for our faults, we were just thinking of coming to you.”
Bhutmati said: “Who are you ? What are you talking about ?” Devdatt said: “Don’t you recognize us ? This is your beloved wife Yagnadatta and I am your favorite student Devdatt. We are talking with the learned scholar Bhutmati who imparted learning to the students of Kanthpur.”
But Bhutmati was not convinced. He said, “Oh, you scoundrels ! Don’t try to cheat me. I am the last man to be taken in by you. My beloved wife and my disciple have been already consumed in a fire that broke out suddenly in my house. I am going to offer the holy ashes to the sacred Ganga. You do appear like Yagnadatta and Devdatt but you are not them. You may be their spirits. Spirits often deceive human beings but bear in mind I am a Brahmin—Bhoo-Dev (earthly god). I can burn you down with my power of incantations. I spare you out of mercy. Leave from my sight or else terrible consequences shall follow.”
Yagnadatta and Devdatt got what they wanted. They immediately left. Bhutmati offered the ashes in Ganga. He said: “Oh, God, Oh Lord, Grant peace and bliss to the souls of the dead. They were so pure and deserved your mercy.”

MORAL LESSON: We can realize to what extent a man under delusion loses his wisdom and sense of truth. Most of time our vision is blinded by preoccupied mind. How can a person understand the religion, when he does not have the right knowledge of it ? Even highly learned people get stagnant under the intense delusion created by too much attachment with others.

BHIMKUMAR

King Narvahan reigned in the city of Kamalpur. His queen’s name was Malti, and his son’s name was Bhimkumar. The prince was well known for his physical vigor. One day, he saw a Muni in the garden and sat down near him. The Muni discovered a qualified soul in the prince and revealed to him the secrets of religion. The prince felt so inspired at this that he took the vows of a Shravak.
One day, a heretical Muni of the Kapalik order came to the prince. He carried some fruits and flowers in his hands. He placed them before the prince and said: “The great do not refuse a seeker. I have come to you with a request. May I hope that you will fulfill it ?”
He continued: “It is twelve years from now as you move back in the past that I started the propitiation of an art. It will reach its completion on the next Chaturdasi (fourteenth day of the fortnight). Now, on that day, I need someone to assist me, and, in my opinion, no one is more competent than you for that purpose. Hence I am here. Will you help me ?” The prince was never afraid of adventures. He agreed.
On the agreed day, he went with him. The minister’s son, who happened to be his friend, tried to prevent him, but the prince could not be dissuaded. With an unsheathed sword in his hand, the prince reached the cremation ground. The Kapalik marked a plot for his use, propitiated a goddess, and extended his hand to catch the prince’s head. The prince, who was very alert, thundered at once: “Stay away and mind your own business. One more step toward me, and your dead body will roll on the ground. You should know for certain that not even the Devs are capable of facing me.”
This upset the Kapalik’s entire plan. So he thought of exerting strength and attacked the prince with an open knife in his hand. The Kapalik shouted: “Prince ! Remember your God ! You didn’t respond to my persuasion, so I must subdue you by force. I must have your head. This is absolutely essential for completion of my propitiation.”
The prince laughed at him without showing any concern. “Fool ! Only the weak have submitted to your threats. The head of a lion is never within the reach of a jackal like you.”
A duel started at once. The prince gave such a severe blow on the heretic’s head that he fell on the ground. The prince was on his neck. Once he thought of severing it, but the next moment he took pity on the poor soul and released him after giving him a good thrashing. Once free, the ungrateful Kapalik caught the prince unaware and hurled him into the sky. The prince was at once held by a Yaksha’s wife, Kamala by name, who was at that moment flying overhead. She liked him very much and brought him straight to her abode on the Vaitadhya hills.
The prince was under a vow of restricted celibacy and did not respond to the lusty overtures of the Yaksha lady. Kamala was a good soul. She appreciated the steadfastness of the prince and praised him eloquently.
When the two were in conversation, the prince heard some musical instruments being played in accompaniment with some chanting. On inquiry, the prince learned that a few Munis were there in the neighborhood. He expressed keenness to see them. As he was escorted there, a demon made a sudden appearance and snatched away the prince’s sword. The prince at once caught him and mounted on his back to bring him down. But the demon had great physical strength. With the prince on his back, he flew in the sky and landed near a temple.
Inside the temple stood the Kapalik, holding a young man by his hair and thundering: “Remember your God. These are your last moments. I shall cut your head off with this sword.” Undaunted by the terrible environment, the youth was heard saying: “I seek refuge with the Jinas, who are free from lust and attachment. Bhimkumar is my savior; I beseech refuge with him, too.” At these words, the Kapalik’s rage reached its peak. He shouted: “Don’t mention his name, you wretch. He is a coward, and you should be ashamed in beseeching refuge with him. Had he been really powerful, he would not have hidden from my gaze.”
Just then the prince made his appearance and said: “You rascal ! Why do you want to kill him ?” When the Kapalik saw Bhimkumar, he released the young man and ran after Bhimkumar. They started a deadly battle between the two. But soon the prince got the upper hand and held the heretic against the ground, telling him: “My dear fellow ! In your life, you have asked many to remember their God. Now it is your turn to do the same. There is no one to save you.”
Just then the goddess whom the Kapalik worshipped, came down from the image, and, addressing the prince, said: “Prince ! I am impressed by your courage. I beseech you to release my devotee. Please spare his life. I am here to give you a boon.”
The prince said: “Goddess ! If you are really pleased with me and desire to give me a boon, then I pray you to desist from this carnage from today on. You should agree that life is dear to everybody. I beseech nothing else.” The goddess agreed and disappeared.
The prince now turned to the young man and was delighted to find that it was the minister’s son. He at once embraced him and said: “My dear friend ! This heretic was no stranger to you. Then how did you step into his trap ?”
The minister’s son answered: “Since you disappeared, we were very anxious. Search was made everywhere and in all directions, but without fruitful result. Then the family deity was propitiated, and we had it from her that you were safe and would soon return home with great laurels. Now, as I was out to hear the talk of the town about you, this scoundrel caught me and brought me here.”
As the two were talking, there appeared a colossal elephant. With its stout trunk, it picked up the two on its back and flew away. The two were placed outside a deserted city, and the elephant disappeared. Leaving the minister’s son outside the city, the prince moved in. There he met a man-lion who had the face of a human being but the body of a lion. He held a man between his teeth, and the man was bitterly weeping. When the prince asked the animal to release the man, the animal said: “I have been very hungry for a long time. After a long gap, I have my food. How can I let it go ?”
The prince said: “It appears to me, my dear fellow, that you have a Vaikriya (fluid) body. I wonder how your body takes a human being as its food !” The man-lion responded: “You are right, Sir. But he is my inveterate enemy from previous life. How do you think I can release him ? I will kill him, and that alone will pacify my anger.”
The prince tried utmost persuasion, but when that failed, he applied force. He rescued the man from the animal’s mouth and stabbed the animal so severely that he fled for his life.
Now, with the same vehemence, he reached the palace. There he was very cordially received by several maids. One produced a jar full of pure water, another washed the prince’s feet, a third offered to take him to bath, a fourth offered him food, and a fifth decorated him in costly robes and ornaments. The prince silently obliged all.
Just then a Dev came, and, on inquiry from the prince, made the following statement: “This city is named Kanakpur, where once reigned king Kanakrath. His priest Sudatt was a fallen man and was very much despised by the residents of this city. Since the priest would not improve, the matter was reported to the king, who severely chastised the priest. Unfortunately, the priest died of depression. That priest is now born as a demon. I am that demon, and sometime earlier, you saw me as a man-lion. The man whom you rescued from my mouth was the king himself. But I congratulate you for your courage. It is I who arranged for your reception at the palace. It is my great power again that has made the residents of this city invisible.”
Just then a Kevali arrived at the city park. The prince, the minister’s son, and the Dev went to him. Even the elephant came there trumpeting wildly and dangling his trunk. The Kevali, who was in the midst of his sermon, changed his topic and said: “This elephant is really a Yaksha who was the grandfather of king Kanakrath. He brought Bhimkumar to this place to rescue his grandson. As Bhimkumar has saved the king, the Yaksha is under a debt of gratitude to him.”
The elephant now changed into a Yaksha and this lent support to the words of the Kevali. The Yaksha then turned to the prince and requested him to return to his city from which he was absent for a long time. His parents were very much in distress ever since his disappearance in the company of the Kapalik. The Yaksha even offered to help him to return.
Then, at the prince’s request, he built an air-chariot on which the prince and the minister’s son mounted. They soon returned to their own city. The king and the queen were very happy to see their lost son. At the right moment, Bhimkumar was placed on the throne, the king abdicating in his favor. Needless to say, Bhimkumar had a glorious reign, and he spent his last days in the holy order of Munis, attaining liberation at death.