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During the golden era of the Solanki dynasty in Gujarat, the reign of King Kumärpäl marked a period of unprecedented authority and prosperity for the state. Much credit for this success is attributed to his chancellors, known as Mantri, many of whom were Jains. Among these influential figures, Udayan Mantri and his sons, Ämbad and Bähad, played a significant role in King Kumärpäl's rise to power.
Udayan's journey began as a struggling merchant in the village of Vägharä, Rajasthan, where he barely made ends meet. Seeking better economic prospects, he decided to move to the rapidly growing city of Karnävati, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which had been established by King Siddharäj. However, being a newcomer, he sought refuge at a local Jain temple, where he met a compassionate woman named Lachchhi. She welcomed Udayan and his wife as guests, offering them an old house for shelter.
As Udayan settled in Karnavati and started a small business, his luck took a turn for the better. He earned enough to rebuild the old house, and during the renovation, he stumbled upon a hidden treasure. Instead of keeping it for himself, Udayan, known for his honesty, offered the treasure to Lachchhi, but she insisted it belonged to him.
With newfound wealth, Udayan expanded his business, eventually becoming the wealthiest man in Karnavati. He was recognized by the state and appointed as the city's first citizen, known for his capable administration. Later, he was appointed as the governor of Khambhät, a lucrative port on India's western coast, where he played a crucial role in abolishing the pilgrim tax and supporting the initiation of a young sage named Changdev.
Udayan's loyalty to the king was unwavering, even when Kumärpäl sought refuge from King Siddharäj. Upon the advice of Hemchandrächärya, Udayan hid Kumärpäl in his basement, and after Siddharäj's death, Kumärpäl made Udayan his trusted advisor.
Throughout his life, Udayan remained devoted to Jainism and used his wealth to promote the faith, constructing several Jain temples in different cities, including Udayanvihär in Karnavati, Udävasahi in Dholka, and an unnamed temple in Khambhät.
Towards the end of his life, Udayan was sent on a mission to overcome a notorious bandit named Sumvar in Sauräshtra. During this mission, he decided to make a pilgrimage to Shatrunjay and pledged to build a new temple there. His sons, Ämbad, Bähad, Chähad, and Sollak, promised to fulfill this vow after his death.
Ämbad, a poet and warrior, became Kumärpäl's chancellor and contributed to the construction of the western pathway of Shatrunjay. He was also known for his conquests.
Bähad, a politician and statesman, played a crucial role in the renovation of Somnäth and constructed a grand temple on Shatrunjay. He emphasized the importance of contributions regardless of their size, exemplified by the story of a humble hawker named Bhim.
Udayan's life story serves as an inspiration, reflecting humility, gratitude, and dedication to Jainism. It highlights the virtues of his sons, Ämbad and Bähad, and the generous spirit of Bhim, while also emphasizing Bähad's unbiased leadership.
