This is at the time when Mughal Emperor Akbar was ruling India. One day he was sitting leisurely and looking outside from the window of his palace. He saw a grand procession passing by the palace. A lady was being taken in a decorated palanquin. There were merchants, businessmen, and their families who had dressed up in expensive clothes and jewelry taking part in this procession.
King Akbar was amazed to see such an honor was being given to a woman. He asked one of his Thansingh who was sitting next to him to tell what this was all about.
“O Emperor, She is Champa who has taken a vow to fast for six months and just live on boiled water. The procession is in appreciation for her taking up such a difficult penance.”
Akbar was flabbergasted listening to this. He could not believe how someone can live without food for so many days. He was doubtful if such a thing was even possible. He asked his minister to call her to the palace to honor her. He also insisted that she stays as a guest in his palace for a few days as he wanted to verify it himself.
As per King Akbar’s order, minister Thansingh brought Champa to the palace. King Akar personally goes to receive her and honors her. As per Akbar’s request, she stays in the palace for seven days. Akbar had ensured all the necessary arrangements were made for her convenience. He kept a close watch on her to check if she indeed did not take any food. At the end of the seven days, King Akbar was surprised and convinced. He went to Champa and asked her –
“Where did you get the strength for taking up such a difficult penance? What special powers do you have?”
“This is possible only due to the blessings of Tirthankaras and our Guru, Acharya Sri Hirvijay Suriji” – replied Champa.
Akbar asked more about her dharma and Acharya. His curiosity to know and understand the dharma grew. He was now very eager to meet Acharya Hirvijaysuri who was in the city of Gandhar at that time. He sent an invitation to Acharya and invited him to come to Delhi.
On receiving the invitation Acharya in consultation with the local guild decided to go to Delhi.
Acharya Hirvijay and his disciples arrived at Ahmedabad where Akbar’s subedar ShihabKhan had arranged for a grand reception. He offered Acharya elephants, horses, and soldiers to take them to Delhi. Acharya refused to say Jain saints walk barefoot and do not need or use any of these things.
Acharya Hirvijaysuri and his disciples continued their journey towards Delhi. He asked Upadhaya Vimalharsh, one of his disciples, to go and reach Delhi early so as to understand what was in King Akbar’s mind and what was the reason for him to invite us. Upadhyay Vimalharsh started rigorous travel to reach Delhi early.
On reaching, Upadhyay first met Abul Fazal as suggested by the local guild. Abul Fazal clarified to Upadhyay that King Akbar did not have any ill intentions. He only wants to listen to Dharma from the Acharya. Abul Fazal then took Vimalharsh and two other disciples to King Akbar. Akbar was pleased to see the disciples of Acharya. He was eager to meet the Guru. He asked Upadhyay –
“I’m longing to meet Acharya. When will I be able to see him?”
“Do not worry O King, He will surely reach in a few days’ time,” replied Updhyay Vimalharsh.
During his conversion with King Akbar, Upadhyay found that Akbar was humble and modest. He had respect for saints and scholars. Upadhyay traveled back to join Acharya who was now in a place called Abhiramabad. He shared his views and the discussions he had with King Akbar. Acharya was happy to hear about Akbar’s modesty and humility. They continued their journey to Fatehpur Sikri.
On reaching Fatehpur Sikri, the local guild and Abu Fazal gave a royal welcome to Acharya and his disciples. They proceeded to Akbar’s palace. As soon as King Akbar got the news of Acharya, he was very happy and went personally to receive him. He took him to his special meeting room but while entering, Acharya saw a carpet starting right from the entrance itself. He refused to walk on it explaining that there could be small insects under it. Walking on the carpet would kill them so Jain Monks do not walk on carpets.
King Akbar ordered his soldiers to take away the carpet. To his and everyone’s surprise when the soldiers lifted the carpet, there were many ants underneath it. Akbar looked at Acharya with astonishment. His faith in Acharya grew deeper.
Post this, King Akbar gave daily visits to Archarya during his stay to listen to his discourse and discuss dharma. One day Akbar showed many religious books to Acharya written by well known Jain saint Sri Padam Sundarji. He requested Acharya to take custody of the books. Acharya said –
“What should we do by keeping this possession? We take the books we want to read from the temple library and return it back.”
Akbar was very impressed seeing the apathy of Jain saints towards possessions. All these incidents and his daily interactions with Acharya on non-violence had a deep influence on Akbar. During the auspicious Jain festival of Paryushan, Akbar enforced non-violence across the state for 12 days where any kind of killing was prohibited. The butcher shops were closed.
Acharya was delighted when Akbar released thousands of birds captured in cages in front of him. Akbar confessed to Acharya all his past sins of getting thousands of people killed in Chittod, hunting thousands of deers, and that of eating the tongues of five hundred sparrows every day! He took a vow to stop such cruel acts and also followed complete vegetarianism for six months of the year.
Akbar called for a large gathering in his court and bestowed the title of “Jagad Guru” to Acharya.
Wisdom Bite
What Acharya HirVijayji accomplished was astonishing and a rare feat. Transforming such a cruel and violent King towards dharma and non-violence. It is the power of Sanatan dharma and the capability of our saints who could influence and transform the Mughal King.
The unfortunate thing is that such an impactful and rare event does not surface in any of our regular history books. There is a lot to learn from this story. One is the modesty and humility of King Akbar who was open to learning and changing his ways when he learned about dharma and to respect the life of other living beings. The other important thing is to seek and find the right Guru with whose grace and knowledge one can transform life.
But the bigger question to ask ourselves is – Are we willing to change?
