King Kunika Pays Homage to Mahavira

The article reproduces a poetic description from the *Uvavaiya Suttam (Aupapātika Sūtra)*, considered the earliest Upāṅga (auxiliary scripture), which records Lord Mahavira’s samavasaraṇa at Campa and King Kunika’s pilgrimage. King Kunika—identified with Ajātaśatru, son of Bimbisara—resolves to pay homage to Mahavira. He summons his chief army officer and orders him to prepare the royal elephant, assemble a fourfold army (infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots) and arrange separate vehicles for his queen Subhadra and the ladies of the harem. The city of Campa must be cleaned, roads sprinkled with water, and galleries and platforms erected for spectators; flags bearing emblems such as lions and wheels should be unfurled, incense burned and public squares decorated. After carrying out the preparations, the officer reports to the king, who is pleased and reiterates his intention to pay obeisance to Bhagavan Mahavira. The narrative continues with detailed descriptions of the preparations. The keeper of elephants decorates the royal elephant with talismans, garlands, ornaments, cushions, umbrella, flag and bells; the animal is likened to a moving mountain shrouded in dark clouds and lightning. Weapons and armour are loaded, and the fourfold army is organized with the finest warriors. The keeper of royal vehicles prepares ornate carriages for each lady, ensuring they are yoked and decorated, and lines them up in the exterior court. These vivid details illustrate the splendour of ancient royal processions, the reverence shown toward Mahavira and the integration of state authority and religious devotion. The article emphasises that such a lively and ornate portrayal is unique to the *Uvavaiya* and not found in any other Agama. The episode underscores King Kunika’s humility before Mahavira and highlights Jain literature’s rich descriptive tradition.

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