Once upon a time, in a land shrouded in ancient history, there lived a woman who was said to be the most beautiful in the entire world. Her name was Amrapali, and her beauty was a legend that spread far and wide, capturing the hearts of all who gazed upon her.
Amrapali's journey began around 500 BCE in a place known as Vaishali, a region that encompassed parts of what is present-day Nepal and northern Bihar, India. She was like a delicate blossom, born amidst the serenity of a mango grove, which is why she was named Amrapali, signifying a "mango bud" or "blossom." Yet, her path in life was far from ordinary.
Mahanama, a wealthy Shakyan noble, discovered the infant Amrapali in his beloved mango grove. The childless Mahanama was so moved by her enchanting presence that he decided to adopt her as his own. Little did he know that this decision would set in motion a story that would captivate the world.
As the years passed, Amrapali blossomed into a woman of unparalleled charm and grace. Her talents knew no bounds; she was a master of various art forms. Her fame as the world's most beautiful woman attracted many young nobles who longed to be in her company. One day, King Manudev of Vaishali witnessed Amrapali's enchanting dance in the heart of the city. Her beauty bewitched him, and he plotted to make her his own.
Tragedy struck when Amrapali's childhood love, Pushpakumar, who was to be her groom, was cruelly taken from her on the very day of their wedding. Pushpakumar's life was tragically cut short by the conniving King Manudev. Following this heinous act, the king declared Amrapali as the "bride" of Vaishali, a title known as the Nagarvadhu, and bestowed upon her the grand title of Vaishali Janpad Kalayani, given to the most beautiful and talented girl in the kingdom. https://twitter.com/umesh_somvansy
Amrapali's position was both enviable and unique. While she had the privilege to choose her lovers, tradition bound her to remain uncommitted to any one man. She was not just a symbol of beauty; she was the heart and soul of Vaishali's glory during that time.
The city would come alive each evening as Amrapali performed her mesmerizing art, and it came at a high price. Five hundred silver coin (Karshapanas) were the admission fee to witness her captivating performance, and her treasury grew to surpass even that of some kings.
Amrapali's decision to embrace her role as Nagarvadhu came as a shock to her father, but he had no choice but to accept it under the Assembly's decree. She agreed to their terms but laid down five conditions: a house in the finest location, one customer at a time, a fee of 500 karshapanas, her house could only be inspected after seven days' notice, and there could be no surveillance on those who entered or left her premises. The Assembly accepted these terms, and thus, Amrapali became a celebrated courtesan.
Courtesans of her era were not just entertainers; they were well-versed in the sixty-four arts. Amrapali excelled in all of them, dazzling kings, nobles, and wealthy merchants. Her wealth grew immensely, and she even had a son by the mighty King Bimbisara of Magadha, named Vimala Kondanna, who was recognized as a high-ranking figure in the royal court.
One fateful day, the serene Buddha wandered through the land, seeking a moment of peace. The cool shade of Amrapali's mango grove in Kotagrama beckoned him. His presence in her life marked a turning point. https://twitter.com/umesh_somvansy
Amrapali was privileged to serve food to the Buddha on his last visit to Vaishali, just before his passing. Deeply moved by his teachings, she extended an invitation for a meal at her own house. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she even gifted her mango grove and its buildings to the bhikkhu sangha for the establishment of a monastery.
Touched by the Buddha's wisdom, Amrapali sought his guidance and, later, witnessed her own son Vimala's discourse. These experiences led her to make a life-altering decision. Amrapali, the world's most beautiful woman, renounced her wealth and worldly possessions to become a bhikkhuni. She attained arhat-hood, the highest level of spiritual perfection, and penned beautiful poems about her spiritual journey.
Amrapali's story is one of beauty, wealth, and a profound transformation from a celebrated courtesan to a respected women monk. It's a story of how the allure of material riches and physical beauty can lead to a deeper search for truth and spiritual fulfillment. In a world where appearances often overshadow substance, Amrapali's journey remains a timeless testament to the enduring power of inner strength and enlightenment.
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