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The life story of Sadvi Pushpachula exemplifies an extraordinary devotion to her guru. Queen Pushpavati, the wife of King Pushpaketu of Pruthvipur, gave birth to twins—a baby girl named Pushpachula and a baby boy named Pushpachul. The siblings shared such a deep bond of love and affection that they couldn't bear to be separated for even a moment. As they grew older, the king began to contemplate their marriage. However, he was concerned about the inevitable separation that would occur if they were married to others. Despite his hesitation, the king made the unconventional decision to unite them in marriage, believing that they were the most suitable partners for each other.
This decision caused great turmoil and anguish in the mind of Queen Pushpavati. Her life, filled with attachment and affection, sparked a desire for renunciation within her. She dedicated herself to intense penance and eventually attained the status of a goddess in the divine realm.
Over time, Pushpachul became the king, and Pushpachula became the queen of Pruthvipur. From her divine abode, their mother, now a goddess, observed the sinful actions of her children. Distressed by their deeds, she orchestrated dreams for Queen Pushpachula that depicted heaven and hell. Curious about the meaning of these dreams, Pushpachula sought guidance from Acharya Arnikaputra. Unveiling the dreams' significance, the wise Acharya explained that the soul is friendly to those who perform good deeds but acts as an enemy to those who engage in evil actions. Deep remorse gripped Queen Pushpachula's heart. The teachings of Acharya Arnikaputra dispelled her ignorance and infatuation, prompting her to seek permission from her husband to live an ascetic life. He granted permission but with the condition that she would only accept alms from him.
Due to his scriptural knowledge, Acharya Arnikaputra foresaw an impending severe famine and sent his disciples to distant regions. However, due to his advanced age, he himself had to remain in their current location. With unwavering faith, Sadhvi Pushpachula devoted herself to caring for and serving her guru. As a result, she attained kevalajnana, absolute knowledge. On one occasion, she returned with alms during heavy rain, which prompted Acharya Arnikaputra to question her. Pushpachula justified her action of bringing food in the rain, leading the guru to realize that she had attained absolute knowledge. The guru humbly apologized for accepting her services despite her elevated state as a kevali, one who is free from karmas. Sadhvi Pushpachula regarded this noble gesture from her saintly guru as a great fortune.
Sadhvi Pushpachula lived during the time of Bhagwan Mahavir. Her life story highlights the principle that virtuous actions yield positive rewards, while wicked actions result in bitter consequences. Her previous negative karmas led her astray, but her mother's influence steered her onto the righteous path. Moreover, her devoted service to her guru enabled her to attain pure and absolute knowledge. Additionally, the Jain religion's inherent value of humility is reflected in the apologetic behavior of Sadhu Aranikaputra. It is through such humility that one truly becomes great and noble.
