Nandishen Diwakar Chitrakatha 048

This document is a Gujarati comic book titled "Nandishen" (Volume 48 of the Diwakar Chitra Katha series) published by Mahavir Seva Trust, Mumbai. It tells two Jain stories:

1. Nandishen:

• Nandishen was the son of King Shrenik of Magadh. He was a skilled warrior and elephant trainer.
• After listening to Bhagavan Mahavir's sermon, Nandishen became an ascetic and gained special powers through austerities.
• A courtesan mocked his austerities, provoking his ego. She seduced him, and he abandoned asceticism to become a householder.
• Despite worldly life, Nandishen's soul remained aware. He eventually regained his spiritual awareness and returned to asceticism.
• The story illustrates how pride can lead to downfall and emphasizes the importance of regaining one's spiritual path.

2. The Importance of Dress:

• This story features Udayan, the prime minister of King Kumarpal of Gujarat, a devotee of Acharya Hemachandra Suri.
• During his last moments, Udayan wished to hear pious hymns. His sons, unable to find an ascetic, hired an impersonator disguised as one.
• The impersonator, influenced by the "dress" of asceticism or perhaps an inner awakening, eventually became a true ascetic and dedicated himself to the spiritual path.
• This story highlights the transformative power of symbols and the potential for spiritual awakening even in unexpected circumstances.

Both stories aim to inspire readers to reverse spiritual decline and strive for spiritual advancement. The author is Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Nityanand Surishvar ji M., known for restoring temples and pilgrimages.