Gommatesvara As Found In Hori Vamsa Purana

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This excerpt from "Gommatesvara as found in Harivamsa Purana" by Dr. Prem Chand Jain details the story of Bahubali, also known as Gommatesvara, a son of Lord Rsabha, the first Tirthankara of the current era (avasarpini).

The narrative begins with Lord Rsabha dividing his kingdom among his sons before embarking on his ascetic path. His eldest son, Bharata, becomes the successor and the first Emperor, conquering all six continents. Upon his triumphant return to Ayodhya, preparations are underway for grand victory celebrations.

However, a crucial element is missing: the Imperial Discus, the chakra-ratna, has not entered the city. Upon investigation, it is discovered that the Discus will only enter when all kings acknowledge Bharata's suzerainty. The list reveals that Bahubali, the King of Paudanapura, remains unconquered.

Ambassadors are dispatched to Paudanapura to demand Bahubali's submission to Bharata. Bahubali, however, is enraged by this demand. He declares that he would willingly hand over his kingdom if their father, Lord Rsabha, commanded it, but he will not yield it to Bharata unless Bharata conquers him in a righteous battle.

Bharata, upon hearing Bahubali's defiant reply, marches his army towards Paudanapura. As the armies face each other, ready for a full-scale war, the ministers of both brothers intervene. They implore them to avoid bloodshed, highlighting that both are divine beings in their final births, destined for salvation. They suggest a duel combat to determine superiority.

Both brothers agree to this, opting for three specific forms of righteous combat:

1. Drishti-yoddha: A duel of staring without blinking.
2. Jalayuddha: A duel of splashing water at each other's faces.
3. Malla-yuddha: Wrestling.

Bahubali emerges victorious in all three duels, to the applause of his army. Bharata feels humiliated. Despite his triumph, Bahubali is not elated. He realizes that his true victory lies not in defeating his brother, but in overcoming his own karmas. He magnounces his kingdom to Bharata and resolves to renounce the temporal world to pursue spiritual liberation.

Bahubali then becomes an ascetic, deeply engrossed in meditation and self-concentration. He becomes so absorbed that he loses all awareness of his surroundings. Ant-hills form at his feet, and creepers entwined around his limbs, signifying his profound penance. As his spiritual concentration deepens, his inner divinity manifests, culminating in the attainment of Omniscience.

At this stage, celestial beings, humans, animals, and birds gather to pay homage and listen to his teachings. Even Emperor Bharata becomes an ardent devotee of Bahubali. The text concludes by emphasizing the immense glory of Gommatesvara (Bahubali), noting that Bharata's devotion was so profound that he commissioned a golden statue of Bahubali and installed it at Paudanapura.

The excerpt cites references from the Harivamsa Purana, indicating the source of this narrative.