Agadadattacariyam of Devendragani

Summary

This article by Dr. N. Suresh Kumar presents the Agadadattacariyam, a Jain narrative preserved in the commentary of Devendragani on the Uttaradhyayana Sutra. Though possibly a later addition to the Vasudevahindi, it remains an independent and popular tale in Jain tradition. A) Narrative Overview: Agadadatta, a wayward prince from Saṅkhapura, is exiled due to his misconduct. In Varanasi, he trains under a master and becomes a skilled warrior. He gains fame by subduing an elephant, capturing thieves, and marrying a merchant's daughter, Madanamanjari. B) Twists in the Tale: i) On his journey home, Agadadatta defeats a rival king, survives a poison plot by a disguised robber, and is welcomed back with honor. ii) Later, Madanamanjari is bitten by a snake and saved by vidyadharas. But during a temple visit, she attempts to betray him out of infatuation for another man, yet fails. iii) Disillusioned by worldly attachments and betrayal, Agadadatta renounces the world and becomes a monk, guided by Billa’s brothers who themselves became ascetics after witnessing Madanamanjari's treachery.