Acharya Hasti Mala
An influential and greater debater Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī was born in village Ḍumbāughī (Ḍubā Sāmprata time) of Pāṃcāla Pradeśa, under the influence of planet Hasta on Bhādrapada 3rd Sunday of Vikram 800. Thus he was a contemporary of 33rd epochal-ācārya Ācārya Saṃbhūti and 34th epochal-ācārya Māḍhara Saṃbhūti.
| Initiation | : Vikram 807 |
| Ācārya post | : V.N.811 |
| Death: V.N. | : 895 |
Kṣatriya Bappa named his son as Sūrapāla. The child was extremely bright and brave. On different occasions when he heard from his parents and others that enemies seized the rule of his ancestors by having a deceitful truce, he made a determination to recapture the lost empire from the enemies.
When Sūrapāla was six, he told his father his firm resolution to capture the lost rule from the enemies and sought his permission to go and attack the enemies. Thinking that the enemies will kill his son even if they know his determination, Bappa scolded his son and in terse words warned him not to even utter such words from his mouth in future. This warning from his father hurt Sūrapāla so badly that he left the home silently and even without telling her mother.
At that time King Jīta Śatru ruled from the capitol Pāṭaṇa of greater Gujarat. Also at that time, Ācārya Siddha Sena while telling the right path was busy in delivering his sermons on improvement of self and others and preaching Jainism. One day Ācārya Siddha Sena arrived in village Moḍherā after starting his wandering routine from Pāṭaṇa. There at night in a pleasant sleeping state, he saw a dream that a great lion like disciple jumped and sat on the summit of the temple. In the morning while telling his disciple Vṛanda about his dream, he said, 'Seeing the dream towards the end of night and its results lead me to infer that we are going to meet a jewel like disciple soon who will take the glory of Jainism to the highest levels'. After saying this Ācārya Siddha Sena went to the temple.
As a coincidence, Sūrapāla wandering aimlessly here and there also went to that temple in Moḍherā. The piercing sight of Ācārya Siddha Sena fell on Sūrapāla. He went to the child and asked his name and whereabouts. Sūrapāla in a very humble tone gave all his particulars concerning his parents, name and village etc to the ācārya. Ācārya asked the child, 'Will you stay with us? The child noted in approval and the ācārya took him along and returned to the monastery. Alongwith imparting primary education, the ācārya also started imparting religious education as well to Sūrapāla. Sūrapāla used to immediately remember and memorise all lessons after they were uttered once by ācārya. One day ācārya delivered long lesson of 1000 verses in (anuṣṭupa chanda) to Sūrapāla. When Sūrapāla recited all the 1000 verses Alongwith their meanings to ācārya, all other monks including the ācārya were amazed and non plus.
The next day, Ācārya Siddha Sena, Alongwith his disciples and Sūrapāla, left for the birthplace of Sūrapāla i.e. Ḍumbāughī and arrived there after a few days. Villagers of Ḍumbāughī Alongwith Sūrapāla's parents' kṣatriya Bappa and his wife Bhaṭṭī also came to pay obeisance to the ācārya and venerated him.
Ācārya Siddha Sena asked the kṣatriya couple, 'Please give me your son. I will make him an expert in spiritual studies. This child of yours will in future become a great and influential Ācārya of Jainism and bring name and fame to you as well for generations to come.'
Both Bappa and Bhaṭṭī with folded hand and with great humility said, 'Yogīśwara! He is our only son and the centre of all hopes and aspirations of our clan and foundation of our life. How can we tolerate his separation?'
Ācārya Siddha Sena after delivering religious sermons, made them aware of the importance of human life, Sūrapāla also indicated his firm desire to practice Śramaṇa code of conduct.
After hearing the firm resolve of their son, the kṣatriya couple said, 'Lord! Our son is also firm in being initiated into Śramaṇa monkhood. Also you are very keen to accept him as your disciple. Under such circumstance and to keep our name alive for generations to come, we have a request that when you initiate him into monkhood, then please give him the name as Bappa Bhaṭṭī.'
Ācārya Siddha Sena accepted their insistence. Afterwards the couple happily gave their son to ācārya.
Ācārya Siddha Sena Alongwith child Sūrapāla and his disciples returned to village Moḍherā. There, on Vaiśākha śuklā 3rd Thursday in Vikram 807, he initiated Sūrapāla into Śramaṇa monkhood. As a tradition Ācārya Siddha Sena gave the name Bhadra Kīrti to Sūrapāla. But respecting the wishes of his parents, he kept on addressing the newly initiated monk Sūrapāla as Bappa Bhaṭṭī. Hence the newly initiated monk Bhadra Kīrti became popular as Bappa Bhaṭṭī everywhere.
Greatly admired by the divine personality of newly initiated monk, Jain congregation of Moḍherā requested Ācārya Śīlaguṇa to stay in Moḍherā and impart knowledge of scriptures (aṃgas) and upāṃgas to his disciple Vṛanda and all other monks here itself. Agreeing to the requests of the congregation, Ācārya Siddha Sena stayed in Moḍherā and started imparting knowledge on aṃgas and upāṃgas to the newly initiated monk and others.
One day early morning monk Bappa Bhaṭṭī was returning from the forest after attending to the nature's call. It started raining on the way and so Bappa thought of waiting in a temple on the way. At that a handsome kṣatriya prince also came inside the temple to avoid being drenched in the rain. He paid obeisance to the young monk and sat there. By chance he saw dilapidated inscription on the wall. To understand its meaning the prince requested Bappa Bhatti for its meaning. Bappa Bhaṭṭī in a very sweet tone explained the meanings of those verses. That prince was completely impressed by the unique qualities of Bappa Bhaṭṭī. After the rain stopped, he happily accompanied Bappa to the monastery. Following Bappa Bhaṭṭī, he also paid obeisance to ācāryaśrī.
Ācāryaśrī asked the newly arrived youth about his name and particulars about village, clan etc. That youth in a very humble tone replied, 'Yogīśwara! I am the only son of the Kānyakubjeśwara of Samrāṭa Candragupta Maurya lineage. Pained by my nature of extravagance; my father wanted and tried to teach me to be prudent. Even with this beneficial advice, my ego got stronger and I left the palace without informing even my parents. Wandering at many places, I have now come here under your shelter.'
On being asked his name by ācārya, the prince wrote 'Āma Rāja' on the door knob. Immediately the ācārya had inkling that he had seen this prince somewhere earlier also. Therefore a prior experience and the sight of the same emerged in his mind. About ten to twelve years ago, while wandering on his religious tour in a forest, his sight fell on a bag (with a child) on a tree in an orchard of Pīlū (Jāla) trees. After a while he realized that there was sunlight all around the child while the face and body of the child were covered by steady and stable shade. At that time itself, he was confident that this child was very fortunate and with merit. When his mother came there, she very respectfully paid obeisance to ācārya. On being asked by me about her whereabouts, she said in a very polite manner, 'Mahātmā! I am the principal queen of King Kānyakubjeśwara Yaśovarmā. When this child was in my womb, the ego of his co-wife increased tremendously due to the fear of step son. Earlier on being extremely pleased by some act of that co-wife, the king had insisted to bless her with some gift of her choice. Instead of asking for the same immediately, she pledged the same with the king for future use. Enraged with envy, she was bent on killing my unborn child. She therefore asked the king for her pledged gift. Accordingly the king expelled me from his palace and Kānyakubja territory. From my own childhood, self-respect was dearer to me than my own life even. Therefore after being expelled from father-in-law's home, I felt it more appropriate to come and live in desolate place than go back to my father's home. This is the reason that I am living this desolate life with self-esteem.'
While consoling her, I had said, 'O affectionate one! Stay with us in the monastery in the town. There you serve the monastery and wait for the arrival of the new child under the care and protection of the monastery.'
Accepting my advice, she had come with her child to the town and started serving the monastery. The next day we had to go elsewhere from that town. After sometime, I heard that other co-wives of the King conspired and killed the co-wife who had earlier got this principal queen. Kānyakubja Yaśovarmā, with the aid of his secret agents located his principal queen and took back most respectfully the queen with her child to the royal palace.
So the ācārya, in his mental state decided that this young prince is the same infant child of queen Vāsinī whom he (ācārya) had earlier seen as under the shade of Pīlū trees.
After recovering from his deep thoughts, Ācārya Siddha Sena addressed the young prince 'O son! Be comfortable. Stay in the monastery and study diligently to acquire all knowledge and skills Alongwith your friend monk Bappa.'
As per the directions of ācāryaśrī, prince Āma Rāja started living with monk Bappa Bhaṭṭī. With profound diligence, concentration and hard work, he started learning the scriptures and acquiring other skills and knowledge. At appropriate time he became an expert in all knowledge and skills.
After completing his studies he bowed at the feet of his teacher, Ācārya Siddha Sena and expressed his deep gratitude to him. He went to his childhood friend, monk Bappa Bhaṭṭī said, 'If I ever get the great rule / kingdom of Kānyakubja, I take the vow that I will definitely give that to you.' While ignoring this promise of Āma Rāja, monk Bappai said, 'O prince! There is no other Kingdom bigger than this unified Kingdom of the world in the form of spirituality.'
After short while from the graduation of the prince from the monastery, the King of Kānyakubja fell sick. Seeing his end in sight, He immediately ordered his secret soldiers to locate the prince Āma Rāja and present him before him. The secret soldiers with small effort located the prince. After getting permission from Ācārya Siddha Sen, the secret soldiers escorted the prince to the Kānyakubjeśwara King.
Yaśovarmā with lot of fanfare and gaiety anointed his son Āma Rāja to the throne of his Kānyakubja Empire. After a little while Yaśovarmā died. King Āma Rāja sent his principal advisers and influential elders to Ācārya Siddha Sena with a request to first anoint monk Bappa Bhaṭṭī as ācārya and then send him to his palace quickly.
Considering monk Bappa Bhaṭṭī as fit for the post of Ācārya from all angels, Ācārya Siddha Sena gladly accepted King Āma Rāja's request. In an auspicious time Caitra-Kṛṣṇā 8th in Vikram 811, he anointed Bappa Bhaṭṭī to the post of Ācārya.
While bidding farewell to Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī for his sojourn in Kānyakubja, Siddha Sen imparted an important lesson to him and said, 'O son! You are entering the youth of your life. Also you are a rising and shining star of Jainism. You are now going to a royal court as venerable guru of a prosperous king. In your entire life, please do not forget that being young and being venerated by a prosperous king, both these conditions are generally the prime reason for improper actions (downfall). Therefore you should always be alert and refrain from the contact of woman who is the mine of all worldly and sensual vices and protect yourself from the devilish sensual inclinations.
Keeping the teachings of his teacher uppermost in his mind Bappa said, 'I will never accept food from the homes of my devotees. Also I will never consume milk, curd, ghee, oil and sweets in my life as they all result in pervert thoughts and inclinations.'
To observe these two vows, Bappa Bhaṭṭī took these two vows in a traditional manner from his guru.
Afterwards, paying respects to his teacher, Bappa Bhaṭṭī left for his wandering trip and arrived in Kannauja a few days later. Āma Rāja welcomed him in his city with all royal pomp and gaiety.
In this way, Bappa Bhaṭṭī started giving spiritually beneficial sermons to follow the right path to the king and his subjects alike. To hear his sermons, people from all over and from far and wide places kept on thronging the palace like rising waves of the ocean. Āma Rāja implemented a number of socially and religiously beneficial works as per the advice of Bappa Bhaṭṭī. These aroused a wave for religious works in the minds of commoners. There was great competition amongst them to implement activities of religious nature and of welfare of human beings. King Āma Rāja also got two Jain temples built as per the advice of Bappa Bhaṭṭī. The popularity of Bappa Bhaṭṭī started spreading in all directions. During the rule of King Āma Rāja, due to his patronage of Jainism, Jainism prospered and its dominance enhanced significantly.
One day King Āma Rāja was enjoying recitation of poetry with Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī. He composed a verse indicating some secret thoughts in his mind and presented the same to Bappa Bhaṭṭī for clarification. Bappa Bhaṭṭī immediately provided the desired explanations. On his deep secret being made public, Āma Rāja was stunned, dubious and shocked. Seeing this Bappa Bhaṭṭī immediately left that place for his resting place and asked his disciple to prepare for departure from there. On leaving, Bappa wrote a verse on the door which meant as follows:
'We are going. May you be blessed forever? Where will we live or how will we live? Such thoughts should never bother you or come to your mind. All the kings who are lovers of spiritual poetry will keep us on their heads.'
Afterwards, without saying anything to Āma Rāja, Bappa Bhaṭṭī with many monks and disciple groups left Kannauja (Kānyakubja) and went on a routine and difficult wandering trip. Wandering through many villages etc, he finally arrived in town Lakṣaṇāvatī, capital of Gauḍa Pradeśa and stayed in a garden on its outskirts. The scholars and royal poet Vākaprati of the Gauḍa king Dharma became extremely happy when he came to know of the arrival of great poet Bappa Bhaṭṭī in the garden outside the town. He immediately informed King Dharma of this auspicious news. King Dharma instantly became very happy and said, 'we shall be blessed and feel ourselves as very fortunate the day Kavikula Jainācārya Kumudacandra Bappa Bhaṭṭī come to our royal court. However, there is only one serious issue. Our relations with King Āma Rāja is of animosity. If Bappa Bhaṭṭī stays with us and on being recalled by Āma Rāja, if he returns then we will have to face grave insult and hatred. Even with all these issues, we do not want to lose this golden opportunity of enjoying the sermons of Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī. Under such circumstances we have to request Bappa Bhaṭṭī not to return to Āma Rāja on being recalled for trivial matters. You shall return to Āma Rāja only when King Āma Rāja himself comes to our court and seek your return to him, otherwise you stay here only.'
The chief poet of Gauḍa king Dharma went to pay respects to Bappa Bhaṭṭī and requested him, in King Dharma's own words, to stay in the town of Lakṣaṇāvatī. Bappa Bhaṭṭī, in a traditional manner, agreed verbatim to King dharma's request. King Dharma's happiness had no limits on hearing so.
King Dharma accorded a royal welcome to Bappa Bhaṭṭī in Lakṣaṇāvatī and made appropriate arrangements for stay there. King Dharma, Alongwith his family and advisers of his royal court, started living happily enjoying the beneficial sermons of Bappa Bhaṭṭī. Sermons of Bappa Bhaṭṭī also enhanced the influence of Jainism in Gauḍa Pradeśa.
On the other hand, not finding Bappa Bhaṭṭī, the next day King Āma Rāja sent his soldiers all over to locate Bappa Bhaṭṭī. But he was not traceable. Early morning before the sunrise next day, king Āma Rāja himself left in search of Bappa Bhaṭṭī towards the gardens outside his town. He searched all gardens one after the other but could not find Bappa Bhaṭṭī. Separation of Bappa Bhaṭṭī started giving pain to him like a thorn in the heart. He clearly experienced that his palace, royal court and even his life is empty without Bappa Bhaṭṭī.
He therefore made a firm resolve to find out Bappa Bhaṭṭī. While finding ways for his search an idea came to his mind. He had the verse 'śastraṃ śāstraṃ kṛṣirvidyā, anyo yo yena jīvati.'engraved on a wooden plaque and made a proclamation in his royal court that anyone who can decipher this verse will be awarded one lakh gold coins.
A scholar, who had become poor, thought of the solution of this verse as a means to end his poverty, wrote this verse on a paper and started going to different places in search of Bappa Bhaṭṭī. In due course of time he did arrive in Lakṣaṇāvatī in the service of Bappa Bhaṭṭī. Immediately Bappa Bhaṭṭī completing the reply of the verse wrote the following verse.
'śastraṃśāstraṃkṛṣirvidyā, anyo yo yenajīvati.
sugṛhītaṃ hi kartavyaṃ kṛṣṇa sarpa mukhaṃ yathā'
This man immediately returned to Kānyakubja and presenting himself in the service of King Āma Rāja gave the response to his verse. Āma Rāja became very happy on solution to his problem. Āma Rāja immediately gave one lakh gold coins to the man and asked him? The man immediately told that the problem had been solved by Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī and he is enhancing the glory of the royal court of Gauḍa king Dharma.
The next day King Āma Rāja wrote a very humble letter in a heart touching language and seeking forgiveness with a request for Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī to immediately return to Kannauja. He then sent the most respected elders of his court with the letter to Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī.
Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī repeating the promise he had made to King Dharma to the ambassador of King Āma Rājasaid, 'Until King Āma Rāja himself comes to the court of King Dharma, seek forgiveness about my return to Kannauja. I am bound by my vow to King Dharma not to leave Lakṣaṇāvatī. Therefore please go and tell Āma Rāja that he should come here quickly and fulfil my vow to King Dharma so that I can return to Kannauja.' On the same day, Bappa Bhaṭṭī also composed deep meaning verses and sent the same to King Āma Rāja with his ambassador.
On receiving the verbal and written response from Bappa Bhaṭṭī through his ambassador, Āma Rāja became impatient to present himself in the service of his guru. Kānyakubja king had deep animosity with the Gauḍa king. In spite of this, to bring back dearer than his own life Bappa to Kannauja, he disguised himself even at the risk to his own life, presented himself in the service of his guru Bappa and King Dharma in his royal court.
Bappa Bhaṭṭī in difficult, disguised, multiple meaning and synovial words introduced Āma Rāja to King Dharma. In a same tone using difficult, disguised, multiple meaning and synovial words, Āma Rāja also gave his true introduction to King Dharma Rāja and presented his request in a dramatic manner to take Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī back to Kānyakubja.
All these happened in such a secret and unique manner that no one else except Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī and Āma Rāja could have even an inkling that Kannauja King Āma Rāja had presented himself in front of King
Dharma and issued the news about his intention of taking Bappa back to Kannauja.
Next day morning Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī went to King dharma and said that he is keen to leave for Kānyakubja now. King Dharma looking in utter surprise said, '! O Lord! Have you forgotten your promise?'
To this Ācārya Bappa said, 'O King! King Āma Rāja himself was present in your royal court yesterday and informed you of his intention to take me back to Kānyakubja. Yesterday the ambassador that was present in your court was Āma Rāja himself. He had requested you to take me back to Kānyakubja.'
Dharma Rāja expressed disgust and sorrow for not recognising Āma Rāja. Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī, after consoling and making Dharma understand left for his wandering trip from Lakṣaṇāvatī. King Āma Rāja welcomed him on the outskirts of the Gauḍa kingdom and ceremonially with unique pomp and show took Bappa in the city of Kannauja.
Afterwards, Bappa Bhaṭṭī kept himself busy in delivering sermons of self-beneficence to all noble souls in Kānyakubja and establishing all round influence and glory of Jainism in all directions.
After some time, a messenger came to pay respects to Bappa Bhaṭṭī and brought message informing him about the illness of his guru Ācārya Siddha Sen. the message said 'If you have any desire to see your guru, then come immediately.'
On receipt of this message from his guru, Bappa Bhaṭṭī immediately left Kannauja for Moḍherā. Āma Rāja accompanied Bappa for a long distance and left with his top confidential officials in service of Bappa to accompany him.
Walking very fast, Ācārya Bappa reached Moḍherā quickly and paid respects to his guru. Seeing his great disciple, Ācārya Siddha Sen felt very happy. He handed over the administration of his entire congregation to Bappa, and while contemplating on the trio of jewels took a fasting vow till death. He died after some time in this manner.
After the death of venerable guru Siddha Sena, Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī organized his congregation in Moḍherā properly. Later on he handed over the administration of the Moḍha gaccha and congregation to Govinda and Nanna, and left for Kānyakubja Alongwith the chief advisers of King Āma Rāja. After a few days later, he arrived in Kānyakubja. He continued delivering his beneficial sermons for many years there and benefited his followers by keeping them on the right path.
In due course of time, King Dharma Rāja sent a messenger to King Āma Rāja Alongwith the proposition, 'A great debater and scholar of Buddhism, Vardhana Kuṃjjara by name has come to Lakṣaṇāvatī. He is challenging scholars from all over for a scriptural debate with him. But no scriptural debater here is ready for accepting his challenge. Under such circumstances we should arrange a debate between him and Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī.'
King Āma Rāja sent his approval for this proposition with the condition that the king whose debater loses shall hand over his empire to the winning king. After King Dharma agreed to these conditions, a scriptural debate between Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī and Buddhist debater Vardhana Kuṃjjara was arranged on the border of both kingships. The scriptural debates continued indecisive for six months. In the end that Buddhist scholar called Bappa as the greatest debater and accepted his own defeat. The judges then declared Bappa Bhaṭṭī as winner and Vardhana Kuṃjjara as the total loser of the debate.
After the scriptural debate, King Dharma became anxious, as per the terms of the debate, to hand over his entire kingdom to King Āma Rāja. But as per the request and suggestion of Bappa Bhaṭṭī, King Āma Rāja agreed to let King Dharma keep his kingdom. As a result of this historic effort, the traditional animosity between the two kingdoms ended. Āma Rāja and Dhram Rāja were thus tied in the knot of friendship.
Bappa Bhaṭṭī then embraced very affectionately the Buddhist scholar Vardhana Kuṃjjara, taught him the deep meanings of Jain doctrine and made him accept the twelve vows of a householder. After accepting the right faith and practicing the twelve vows, that scholar paid respects to Bappa Bhaṭṭī and left for his home town.
In course of time the old animosity between Dharma Rāja and Āma Rāja started flaring up. They both fought a terrible war. Dharma Rāja was killed in the battle. His adviser and chief poet Vākapati Rāja was made a prisoner. Āma Rāja became victorious and he merged the Gauḍa kingdom in his own kingdom.
While living in the prison, Vākapati Rāja composed an excellent poem 'Gauḍa vaho'. Āma Rāja became very happy with Vākapati Rāja and released him from the prison. He also appointed him as the royal poet in his court. As a royal poet, Vākyaprati Rāja composed a number of miraculous verses in praise of Āma Rāja and also composed a jewel like text called 'Mahumaha vijaya'. Āma Rāja became very happy with Vākaprati Rāja and gave him a piece of land with annual revenue of 2 lakh gold coins.
King Āma Rāja with the able guidance of Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī and in a judicious manner kept on looking after his subjects. He also executed a number of works to enhance the influence of Jainism. On the other hand Vākaprati Rāja developed total detachment from the world. Taking permission of King Āma Rāja, he left for Mathurā and spent his life in devotion to his Lord.
During the course of time, Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī explained in a comparative manner all other religions of the world and said that Jainism is like nectar and is supreme and all pervasive. While advising King Āma Rāja, he suggested that after thorough examination, he should ceremoniously adopt Jainism.
Āma Rāja said, 'O seer! After thorough examination I have faith in Jainism. However my heart is immersed in Śaiva religion. Please ask me to do any other work but please do not ask me to leave my paternal religion.' And in a lighter vain he said, 'O seer! Vākapati Rāja, after renouncing the world and keeping himself focussed on Purāṇa Puruṣottama Brahmā is meditating in deep concentration in Varāha temple of Mathurā. Please have him adopt Jainism.'
On hearing this from Āma Rāja, Bappa Bhaṭṭī became anxious to go to Mathurā and after a little while reached there. There Bappa Bhaṭṭī taught the essence & fundamental doctrines of Jainism to Vākapati Rāja.
Vākaprati Rāja became free from his delusion. All his doubts disappeared. He expressed his gratefulness to Bappa Bhaṭṭī.
These sermons of Bappa Bhaṭṭī, which were able to remove all doubts and heart touching for Vākaprati Rāja, eliminated the deep rooted delusion & doubts in his mind. He asked Bappa Bhaṭṭī, 'O seer! First initiate me in Śramaṇacode of conduct.'
Bappa Bhaṭṭī ceremonially initiated him in Śramaṇa monkhood. Afterwards Vākaprati Rāja started practicing the right code of conduct and venerating the five auspicious beings to annihilate his karmas. Monk Vākaprati Rāja then performed self-criticism of all his sins and accepted the fasting vow. After eighteen days of continuous spiritual purification in this manner, he had a pious death. After the death of monk Vākaprati Rāja, Bappa Bhaṭṭī stayed in Gokula for some more time and then returned to Kānyakubja. While showering highest praise on Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī Ama Raja said, '! Your voice has immortal power. You could convert into Jain monkhood even a high level vedic scholar like Vākyapati Rāja.'
Bappa Bhaṭṭī said, 'O King! I will consider my voice with immortal power when you convert to Jainism.'
On this Āma replied, 'O seer! In reality I am totally influenced by Jainism. But due to the effects of my past lives, I have deep regards for Śaiva religion. Hence I cannot give it up.'
On the suggestive prayers of the members of the royal court, Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī told:
'In his previous life king Āma Rāja was a denouncer (sanyāsī). The deep ignorant and painful penance performed by him in that life resulted in his being a king now.'
After a period of time and with the help of a vast and multifarious army he attacked the kingdom of Rājagiri. After the brutal and mass destruction of people in the war, the King of Rājagiri thought his army to be fragile against the army of King Āma Rāja. So after the day's fighting, he decided to retrieve to his safe and large fort at night.
Not finding the army of Rājagiri next morning, he surrounded the fort of Rājagiri from all sides. That fort was strong like iron. Āma Rāja used all types of weapons and strategies to break into the fort but could not succeed. So he asked Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī, 'O seer! How can this rock like fort is won and when?' Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī, on the basis of Cūḍāmaṇi text said, 'O king! Your grandson Bhoja will rule this fort.'
King Āma Rāja considered it as an insult to return without winning the fort. So he continued his seizure of the fort for twelve years. In the meantime his son, Prince Dunduka's wife gave birth to a son.
As per the direction of Āma Rāja, his elders brought the newly born prince while sleeping in a cradle to him. The face of the child was kept towards the top of the fort. The top of the fort was then brought in his line of sight and fired upon with bullets and bombs. In a fraction of time, the fort fell on the ground like the fall of lightening.
King Samudra Sena Gupta with his family escaped from the fort alive by using some secret passages. Āma Rāja with his army entered the fort and brought it under his rule.
Āma Rāja through some supernatural powers realized that he will die after six months near Magaṭoḍā village while crossing Gaṃgā river enroute Māgadha pilgrimage.
Leaving Rājagiri with Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī on several pilgrimages, Āma Rāja reached Kānyakubja again. After anointing his son to the throne, he along with his teacher Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī left for the pilgrimage of Māgadha. When he was crossing the river Gaṃgā with Bappa Bhaṭṭī, he saw smoke emanating from water near his boat.
Seeing the smoke rise from water, Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī said to Āma Rāja, 'O king! Your end is nearing. Look Magaṭoḍ āhas come. Even at your last time, please adopt Jainism.'
Immediately Āma took initiation into Jainism from Bappa Bhaṭṭī and took shelter in omniscient and all-pervading Lord Jina. Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī told Āma Rāja that he (Bappa Bhathi) still had five years of his life left.
Listening to Namaskāra mantra from Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī, King Āma Rāja in village Magaṭoḍ āon Vikram 890 Bhādrapada śuklā 5th Friday under the influence of Citrā breathed his last. Ācārya Bappa Bhaṭṭī returned to Kānyakubja and started living in prior fixed residence.
