Vidhurapandita Jataka, Vidhurapaṇḍita-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Vidhurapandita Jataka means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
Images (photo gallery)
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Namesv.l. Vidhurapandita.
Four kings
Dhananjaya Korabba, king of Indapatta; Sakka, the Naga king Varuna, and Venateyya king of the Supannashaving taken the uposatha vows, meet together in a garden and there have a dispute as to which of them is the most virtuous. They cannot decide among themselves and agree, therefore, to refer the matter to Dhananjayas minister, Vidhurapandita (the Bodhisatta). The minister listens to the claims of each and then declares that all are equal; their virtues are like the spokes of a wheel. They are pleased, and Sakka gives the minister a silk robe, Varuna a jewel, the Supanna king a golden garland, and Dhananjaya one thousand cows.
Vimala, Varunas wife, hearing from her husband of Vidhuras wisdom, is so enchanted that she yearns to see him, and in order to do so feigns illness, and says that she must have Vidhuras heart. Varunas daughter, Irandati, is offered to anyone who can get possession of Vidhuras heart, and the Yakkha Punnaka, nephew of Vessavana, who sees her and is fascinated by her beauty, accepts the condition. He obtains Vessavanas consent by a ruse and visits Dhananjayas court. There he challenges the king to a game of dice, giving his name as Kaccayana, and offers as stake his wonderful steed and all seeing gem, provided the king will offer Vidhura as his. Dhananaya agrees, plays and loses. Vidhura agrees to go with Punnaka; the king asks him questions regarding the householders life for his own guidance, and Vidhura is given three days leave to visit his family. Having taken leave of them, he goes with Punnaka. On the way Punnaka tries in vain to kill him by frightening him. When Vidhura discovers Punnakas intention, he preaches to him as he sits on the top of the Kalapabbata, and the Yakkha is so moved that he offers to take Vidhura back to Indapatta. But in spite of his protestations, Vidhura insists on going on to the Naga world. They arrive in Varunas abode; Vidhura preaches first to Varuna and then to Vimala. They are both delighted, and Punnaka wins the hand of Irandati. In his great joy Punnaka gives Vidhura his marvellous jewel and takes him back to Indapatta. There Vidhura relates his adventures and gives the jewel to the king. A festival lasting one month is held in honour of Vidhuras return.
The story was related in reference to the Buddhas wisdom. Vidhuras chief wife, Anujja, is identified with Rahulamata; his eldest son, Dhammapala, with Rahula; Varuna with Sariputta; the Supanna king with Moggallana; Sakka with Anuruddha, and Dhananjaya with Ananda (J.vi.255-329).
The Jataka is also referred to as the Punnaka Jataka (E.g., J.iv.14, 182). Four scenes from the Jataka are found on the Bharhut Tope. Cunningham, Bharhut, p.82.
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Jataka.
Full-text: Rajavasatikhanda, Gandhabbaraja, Dohalakhanda, Kalagiri Khana, Manikhanda, Catuposathika Khanda, Catuposathika Jataka, Kumbhanda, Vimala Theri, Kaccayana, Vidhura, Punnaka, Dhananjaya, Varuna, Rajagaha.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Vidhurapandita Jataka, Vidhurapaṇḍita-jātaka; (plurals include: Vidhurapandita Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Settlement in Early Historic Ganga Plain (by Chirantani Das)
Part 7 - Rājagṛha supreme seat (b): King Bimbisāra < [Chapter II - Origin and Function of Rājagṛha as the seat of Monarchy]
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) (by Somadeva)
Chapter XI < [Book II - Kathāmukha]
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 545: Vidhurapaṇḍita-jātaka < [Volume 6]