Udayana Mantri Ane Dikra Ambada Ane Bahada

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Udayana Mantri ane Dikra Ambada ane Bahada" in English:

This text, part of the "Jain Katha Sangrah" published by the JAINA Education Committee, tells the inspiring story of Udayana, a minister during the Solanki dynasty's golden age in Gujarat, and his two sons, Ambada and Bahada.

Udayana's Humble Beginnings and Rise to Prominence:

Udayana started as a common merchant in Vaghara village near Jalor, Rajasthan, facing significant hardship. His wife, Suhadadevi, suggested moving to a place with better trade opportunities. At that time, Gujarat was prospering under King Siddharaja. Udayana decided to move to Karnavati (modern Ahmedabad), a new city founded by Siddharaja in memory of his father, Karnadev.

In Karnavati, Udayana and his wife, being strangers, visited a Jain temple. There, they met Lachhi, a devout woman. Recognizing them as fellow Jains, Lachhi kindly offered them hospitality in her old house for a few days. Udayana started a small business, which he conducted with integrity. He soon prospered, saved some money, and began repairing the house. During excavation for repairs, they discovered hidden treasure. Udayana, being honest, returned the treasure to Lachhi, the rightful owner. However, Lachhi, recognizing that the property now belonged to Udayana, insisted the treasure was his.

With this substantial capital, Udayana expanded his business and became the wealthiest person in Karnavati. The King recognized his contributions by granting him the status of the first citizen of Karnavati, and Udayana served the city's people exceptionally well.

Udayana's Service as Governor and Key Events:

In 1120 CE, Udayana's competence and capabilities led to his appointment as the Governor of Khambhat, a vital port city in Western India. He served in this position for a considerable time, during which two significant events occurred:

1. Waiver of Pilgrim Tax: At the suggestion of Queen Mother Minladevi, Udayana waived the pilgrim tax at Bholad.
2. Support for Changdev's Initiation: He assisted Acharya Devachandrasuri Maharaj in granting initiation to a five-year-old boy named Changdev, who possessed great latent spiritual potential. This child later became the renowned Jain Acharya Hemchandra.

Udayana's Loyalty and Support for Kumarapala:

Udayana's loyalty to the King was unwavering. When Kumarapala, who was in hiding from King Siddharaja, sought refuge, Udayana was initially hesitant to defy the King. However, at the request of Acharya Hemchandra, whom he deeply respected, Udayana hid Kumarapala in the basement of his house.

After Siddharaja's death, Kumarapala ascended the throne of Gujarat. He retained Udayana as the Governor of Khambhat and later appointed him as his personal advisor in Patan, the capital. Udayana, remembering the support he received from his Jain faith during difficult times, used his position and wealth to promote Jainism, building several Jain temples, including the Udayan Vihar in Karnavati, Udavasahi in Dholka, and one in Khambhat.

Udayana's Final Mission and Legacy:

In the later part of his life, King Kumarpal dispatched Udayana to capture Sumvar, a notorious raider from Saurashtra. This mission required him to pass through Palitana. Udayana decided to visit the holy sites on the Shatrunjaya mountain. In memory of his pilgrimage, he placed his statue mounted on a camel near the main path to the temple, which is now known as the "Pap-Punyani Bari" (Window of Merit and Sin).

During his visit, Udayana found a wooden temple on the mountain. While he was praying, he noticed a mouse carrying a burning wick. He took the wick away from the mouse but was concerned that the mouse might cause a fire one day. This led him to decide to build a new marble temple.

Udayana successfully captured Sumvar but was severely wounded in the ensuing conflict and was on the brink of death. On his deathbed, he instructed his sons to renovate the temple on the Shatrunjaya hills. They promised to fulfill his wish, and Udayana passed away peacefully, assured that his desire would be realized.

The Sons: Ambada and Bahada

Udayana had four sons: Ambada, Bahada, Chand, and Sollak.

• Ambada: A poet and brave warrior, Ambada served as an official under King Kumarapala. He constructed a pathway on the western side of the Shatrunjaya hills, known today as "Gheti ni Pag" (Gheti's Path). He expanded the Udavasahi temple in Dholka and renovated the Shuknika Vihar in Bharuch. Ambada had pledged to serve the kingdom with loyalty and integrity. After King Kumarapala, his successor, King Ajayapala, changed the policies. Ajayapala sent troops to subdue Ambada, but Ambada refused to yield and died fighting.

• Bahada: Also known as Vahada, Bahada was a skilled diplomat and politician. He had previously worked with King Siddharaja and became King Kumarapala's trusted confidant. When Kumarapala initiated the renovation of the Somnath temple, the entire project was entrusted to Bahada, which he completed with great distinction.

Fulfilling his father's promise, Bahada began the construction of a temple on Shatrunjaya mountain in 1155 CE. A severe storm once caused a part of the temple to collapse, but Bahada ensured the repairs were done in a way that it could withstand any future storms.

The text highlights a touching incident related to the temple's construction. When Bahada began the work, many people offered their contributions. A poor ghee seller named Bhim, who had only earned one coin that day, wished to contribute but felt his small amount was insignificant compared to the large sums others were donating. Bahada understood his earnestness, called him aside, and humbly accepted whatever he wished to give. Bhim, despite his hesitation, offered his day's earnings. Bahada not only accepted the coin but also placed Bhim's name at the top of the donor list. When asked for an explanation, Bahada explained that while others contributed a portion of their wealth, Bhim had given his entire day's earnings, which was his entire capital.

Later, when Bhim was digging to install a wooden post for his cow, he unearthed a hidden wooden chest filled with gold coins and valuables. He believed this was a result of his donation to the temple and took the treasure to Bahada, donating it for the temple's construction. The temple was completed in 1157 CE at a cost of 2 crore 97 lakh coins and was consecrated in the presence of Acharya Hemchandra.

The story emphasizes Udayana's humility, his gratitude towards those who helped him, and his success in raising his virtuous sons, Ambada and Bahada. It also praises Bhim's generosity. Bahada's decision to place Bhim's name first in the donor list is presented as an example of unbiased leadership and true understanding of dharma.