Treasury of Jain Tales

SR No.: 006762
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 1994
Total Pages: 468
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 125

12. AGALADATTA (AGADADATTA)
King Jitasatru of Ujjayini had a charioteer Amogharatha by name who died when his son Agaladatta (Agadadatta) was still a child. As he grew up, he saw his mother Jasamati (Yasomati) almost continuously weeping. Once he asked her why tears never left her eyes dry. She then told him how after the death of his father, a new charioteer was appointed by the king and how every time she saw that man in his father's place, she could not help grieving, there being no one to train her own son in all the arts that a charioteer ought to master. That disappointed her all the time. Agaladatta asked her whether there was no body to teach him. His mother said that only a friend of his father, who lived in another place called Kosambi (Kausāmbi) might be willing to teach him. He alone would understand the poverty of the widowed mother. Agaladatta ventured out to Kausāmbi and his father's friend agreed to teach him as if he was his own son. In due course of time,
adatta became an expert in archery, in the use of missiles, in the art of throwing the disc against the enemy's disc and mastering the chariot
After his education in all these arts, was completed to the satisfaction of his master, he presented himself at the court of the king in order to show his efficiency. Every one at the court was delighted to see the extraordinary skill of the young man but the king was not much impressed. Nevertheless, the king was ready to give him a suitable reward, which Agaladatta said would not be worth accepting if it were not accompanied by the king's appreciation.