Bimbisara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bimbisara |
|
|---|---|
Bimbisara with his royal cortege issuing from the city of Rajagriha to visit the Buddha.
|
|
| King of Magadha | |
| Reign | c. 544 – c. 491 BCE or c. 457 – c. 405 BCE (52 years) |
| Predecessor | Bhattiya |
| Successor | Ajatashatru |
| Clan and noble family | Haryanka |
| Born | 558 BCE or 472 BCE |
| Died | 491 BCE or 405 BCE |
| Spouse | Kosala Devī Chellanā Dharini Kṣemā / Khemā Nandā Padmāvatī / Padumavatī Ambapālī |
| Issue | Ajatashatru |
| Dynasty | Haryanka |
| Father | Bhattiya |
| Religion | Hinduism,Jainism, Buddhism |
Bimbisara was a powerful king of ancient India. He ruled the kingdom of Magadha for a long time, starting around 543 BCE. He belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. Bimbisara is famous for making Magadha a very strong kingdom. He expanded its borders and laid the groundwork for future empires, like the Mauryan Empire.
He is also known for his connections to important religious leaders. He was a friend and supporter of the Buddha. In Jainism, he is known as Shrenika and is considered a significant figure.
Contents
Life of King Bimbisara
(Licchavi's dependencies, in green, and Malla shown separately)
_at_Rajagriha,_the_visit_of_Bimbisara.jpg)
Bimbisara became king when he was just 15 years old. His father was Bhattiya. He started the Haryanka dynasty. Bimbisara made his first capital at a place called Girivraja, which is now known as Rajgir. He also helped build a village that later became the famous city of Pataliputra.
One of his biggest achievements was conquering the kingdom of Anga. This victory gave Magadha control over important trade routes. These routes led to the Ganges Delta, which had busy ports. This helped Magadha become even richer and more powerful. Other kings, like Pukkusati from Gandhara, even sent messages to Bimbisara.
His royal court had many important people. These included a physician named Jivaka and a treasurer named Kumbhaghosaka.
Smart Marriages for Peace
Bimbisara was very clever in how he ruled. He used marriages to make his kingdom stronger and create peace. His first wife was Kosala Devi. She was the daughter of the King of Kosala. This marriage brought the city of Kashi to Magadha as a gift. It also ended any fighting between Magadha and Kosala.
His second wife, Chellana, was a princess from Vaishali. She was a Licchavi princess. His third wife, Kshema, came from the Madra clan in Punjab. Some ancient texts say he had many wives, possibly up to 500.
How Bimbisara Died
According to Buddhist stories, Bimbisara's own son, Ajatashatru, imprisoned him. This happened around 493 BCE. Ajatashatru then took over the throne.
Bimbisara and Religions
Bimbisara had strong connections with both Jainism and Buddhism. He is a very important figure in the history of both religions.
His Connection to Jainism
In Jain texts, Bimbisara is called Shrenika of Rajgir. He became a follower of Jainism. He was very impressed by the peaceful way of life of Jain monks. He often visited Mahavira, a great Jain spiritual teacher. He would ask Mahavira questions about life and spirituality. Jain scriptures say that Bimbisara took his own life after being imprisoned. They also say he will be reborn as a future spiritual leader.
His Connection to Buddhism
Buddhist writings say that King Bimbisara met the Buddha before the Buddha became enlightened. Later, Bimbisara became a very important follower of the Buddha. He reached a high level of spiritual understanding. Bimbisara allowed the women in his palace to visit the Buddha's monastery. He also helped create a special place for people to honor the Buddha.
Some historical records say Bimbisara ruled Magadha for 28 or 38 years. Other records from Sri Lanka say he ruled for 52 years.
See also
- Avanti-Magadhan Wars
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Bhattiya |
King of Magadha 543–491 BC |
Succeeded by Ajatashatru |
