Part 8: Śatrughna’s former births

“Śatrughna’s jīva was born in Mathurā many times. He became a Brāhman, Śrīdhara, handsome, a follower of sādhus. One day as he went along the road, he was observed by the chief-queen, named Lalitā, and because of passion she had him conducted into her presence with a desire for dalliance. The king came unexpectedly, and Lalitā, excited, cried out, ‘He is a thief,’ and the king had the Brāhman seized. At the king’s command he was led to the execution-ground for execution; but then Muni Kalyāṇa obtained his release at his promise to take the vow. After he was released, he wandered as a mendicant, practiced penance, and went to heaven.

When he fell, he became the son of King Candrabhadra in the city Mathurā. Son of Queen Kāñcanaprabhā, Acala by name, he was extremely dear to Candrabhadra. His eight elder brothers, sons of co-wives, Bhānuprabha and others, began to try to kill Acala, so he would not be king. Their plan was reported by a minister and Acala fled to another place. As he wandered in a forest, he was pierced by a very large thorn. As he went along the road he was observed by a man who lived in Śrāvastī, named Aṅka, who had been expelled by his father, carrying a load of wood. Aṅka put down the load of wood and removed the thorn. Delighted, he gave Aṅka the thorn and said: ‘Well done, sir! When you hear that Acala is king in Mathurā, come there then. For you are the greatest of benefactors.’

Acala went to Kauśāmbī and there he saw King Indradatta studying archery with his teacher Siṃha. He demonstrated archery to Siṃha and Indradatta, and Indradatta gave him his daughter Dattā together with territory. He formed an army and conquered Aṅga and other territories. One day he went to Mathurā and fought with his elder brothers. He captured and imprisoned his eight brothers, Bhānuprabha, et cetera and Candrabhadra sent ministers to Acala to obtain their release. Acala told them the news about himself and when the ministers had heard it, they hastened to tell Candrabhadra. Delighted, Candrabhadra had Acala enter the city and in course of time settled him on his own throne, though he was the youngest. Somehow or other Acala kept under guard his brothers, Bhānuprabha, et cetera, who had been banished by his father, and made them secret attendants.

One day as Acala was standing in the arena,^[1] he saw Aṅka being beaten by door-keepers and had him conducted into his presence. Acala gave him Śrāvastī, his native land, and the two ruled together, unique friends. One day they became mendicants under Ācārya Samudra, died in the course of time, and became highest gods in Brahmaloka. Then Acala’s jīva fell and became Śatrughna, your younger brother, and he persisted in having Mathurā because of the delusion from his former birth. Then Aṅka’s jīva fell and became this general of yours, Kṛtāntavadana by name, Rāghava.”

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Naṭaraṅga (?).