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In the time of Lord Mahavir, there was a young man named Kulwaluk who possessed great physical and mental strength. After hearing a religious sermon from a learned Acharya, he was deeply moved and decided to renounce his worldly life, becoming a monk. However, his preceptor soon realized that Kulwaluk's observance of austerities was driven by arrogance and a desire for recognition rather than genuine spiritual insight.
This realization caused a rift between Kulwaluk and his preceptor, and a sense of animosity grew in Kulwaluk's heart. He believed that as long as his preceptor was alive, people would not respect him. To prove his preceptor wrong and preserve the purity of his renunciation, Kulwaluk isolated himself in a desolate place, determined to resist any temptation that may come his way.
News of Kulwaluk's intense penance and austerities spread, and people began to regard him as a great ascetic with miraculous powers. This caught the attention of Ajätshatru, the ambitious ruler of Magadh, who sought to defeat the republic of Vaishäli. He learned that the key to Vaishäli's strength lay in an ancient religious Stoop, which could only be uprooted under the blessing of an accomplished sage like Kulwaluk.
Ajätshatru announced a reward for anyone who could excavate the Stoop, but no one came forward. A young woman named Mägadhikä, disguised as a Jain lady, accepted the challenge and set out to find Kulwaluk. Through her devotion and service, she gained his trust and convinced him to accept food from her.
Unbeknownst to Kulwaluk, Mägadhikä mixed the food with a powerful purgative. When he consumed it, he fell severely ill with diarrhea. Mägadhikä, pretending to be distraught, nursed him through his ordeal, caring for him diligently. As Kulwaluk realized the depth of her devotion and the care she provided, his heart softened towards her.
When Kulwaluk recovered, Mägadhikä persuaded him to accompany her to Magadh for further treatment. Over time, their attachment deepened, and Kulwaluk became consumed by his lust for her. He was willing to do anything she asked, even if it went against his previous principles.
Mägadhikä manipulated Kulwaluk's desires, urging him to destroy Vaishäli. Under her influence, he joined forces with Ajätshatru and directed his attention towards the destruction of the city. Exploiting the disunity and frustration among the people of Vaishäli, the invaders succeeded in their conquest, ultimately annihilating the once-glorious city.
Tragically, the story that had once held a promise of spiritual growth and enlightenment ended in the ruin of a great civilization, all due to the misguided actions of an ascetic driven by lust and manipulated by a cunning woman. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desires and the potential for even the noblest individuals to be led astray.
