Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words
This page describes Previous birth of Bhadra which is the seventh part of chapter III of the English translation of the Vimalanatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Vimalanatha in jainism is one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.
Part 7: Previous birth of Bhadra
Now in this Jambūdvīpa in the East Videhas in the city Ānandakarī, there was a king, Nandisumitra. Though possessing eyes, he was endowed with sight by discernment; though possessing a large army, he always had a sword as companion. Disgusted with existence from birth, knowing that everything is transient, he supported the ancestral kingdom to preserve the succession.
One day, he abandoned the kingdom already abandoned in mind and became a mendicant under Ācārya Suvrata. Observing many private vows, practicing penance hard to perform, he fasted, died, and became a god in Anuttara.