RATHNEMI
In the town of Shauryapura there was a king named Vasudev, he had two wives Rohini & Devki. In Shauryapura there was another powerful king named Somudra Vijaya. His wife was called Siva and her famous son was venerable Arishtha Nemi. He was blessed with 1008 lucky marks, had an excellent voice and was dark skinned. Keshava asked Rajemati in marriage the daughter of Ugrasen. He was placed on throne by Krishna on the death of Kansa, son of Ugrasen. Devki was the daughter of Devka.
Jarasandha attacked Mathura often therefore Krishna built Dwarika on the shores of western ocean and sent Yadava tribe there for safety.
Rajemati’s father was a powerful Vasudeva . “he said – let the prince come to me – I may give him my daughter “ he does come on the best gandha hasti with his entourage. The procession arrived with pomp and splendour .On the way he sees animals in cages and enclosures. They were overcome by fear and looked miserable. Arishta nemi asked the charioteer, “why are these animals which desire to be happy kept in cages and enclosures?” the charioteer answered “lucky are these animals because in your wedding they will furnish food for many people.”
Arishta nemi was overcome by compassion and kindness for the animals and thus thought – if for my sake many living being are killed then I shall not obtain happiness ever. He presented the charioteer with all his ornaments and left Dwarka. He becomes a monk.The gods descend and celebrate the event of his renounciation. Keshava and many people paid homage to Arishta and return to Dwarika.
When Rajemati heard the news of the incidence she was over whelmed & laminated thus – “shame upon my life that I have been forsaken by him . It is better I too should take initiation like him and become a sadhvi .Vasudeva encouraged her to cross the ocean of samsara without difficulty.
Once on her way to mount Revataka, it began to rain heavily, she entered a cave and waited in the darkness for rain to pass, she took off all her clothes to dry.
When Rajmati perceived the Rathnemi’s strength of will is broken and temptation has got the better of him, she did not lose her presence of mind but defended herself on that. The daughter of the best king, true to herself & her vows, maintained the honour of herself and the Family, thus spoke to him “if you owned the beauty of vaishramana, the pleasing manners of son kubera, if you were Purivindra himself (Indradev), yet I shall have no desire for you. Fie upon you, famous Knight , who wants to kwaf the vomitted drink, of the one who, for the sake of this life (Arishtanemi was his younger brother ) has forsaken me, it would be better for you to die, I am the daughter of the bhoga king , & you are andhkavrishi , being born in noble families, let us become like gandhara snakes (made to suck the same poison from the wound that they have inflicted.) A gandhara will die, rather than do so. Firmly practise celibacy, if you fall in love with every woman, you see, you will be without hold like the hatha plant, driven before the wind. As a herd’s men or keeper of goods does not own the things, so will you not truly be a sharmana.”
Having heard these well spoken words of the virtueous lady he returned to the vows like an elephant driven by the hook, protected in thought words & acts, subdueing his senses & keeping the vows, he practised true samanahood throughout life. After practicing severe austerites, having completely annihilated karmana attained keval gyan (highest knowledge)and reached the highest perfection.
Moral :-Of all the pleasures, carnal pleasures are most difficult to overcome, on the path of libration .
