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into monkhood, King Sreņika showered praise on the religion of the nirgrant has in the following words:
"Nirgrant ha religion is based on truth, is foremost and complete; it is a way to liberation; it transcends all logic and is unprecedented. Its fulfilment is as difficult as the chewing of iron chocolates "(23).
Nandis ena, another son of Srenika, was initiated into monk hood in one of Mahavira's congregations (24).
There is on record that once King Srenika declared in the presence of the members of the royal household, feudatory kings and ministers that he would not prevent any one who desired to be initiated into monkhood by Bhagavān Maha vira from doing so(25). It is further stated that being inspired by this proclamation, 23 sons of Srenika, Jali, Mayali and others (26), and 13 queens, Nanda, Nanda mati, and others (27), were initiated at the hands of Mahavira.
Going to Hell and Subsequent Tirthankarhood
Once Srenika was present at the congregation of Bhaga - vān Mahavira, Just then a leper came and sat beside him. Meanwhile, Mahavira sneezed, when the leper remarked,
"You die".
He was followed by Srenika who sneezed when the leper commented,
"You live."
The third to sneeze was Abhayakumara when the leper commented,
"Live or die."
And then sneezed the great butcher, Kālas'aurika, when the leper's curt comment was,
"Neither live nor die".
On hearing these irreleyant and uncalled for comments of the leper, Srenika's soldiers wanted to put the man under
