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[The Married Life of Prince Vardhamana
Lord Mahavira was thus giving away things in charity and people were receiving them in thankfulness. At this time Saudharmendra, Ishanendra, Chamarendra, Bulendra, Bhuvana-patis, Viyantara-gods, Jyotish and Vidya-dharas: all there had come to attend upon the prince. Although, Lord Mahavira was infinitely strong, yet, in order to help him respectfully Saudharmendra placed his hand underneath his at the time of giving alms. Ishanendra had taken upon himself the responsibility of regulating the speech of those who were begging alms, so that they might not ask for more than what they were destined to receive. And if unfortunately some body got less then what he ought to have received Chamarendra and Balendra were there to recompense them. When a beggar, who was destined to receive alms from the hand of the Tirthankara could not get access to him, due to physical disability or the crowd of people, the Bhuwan patis brought his share and gave it to him. The duty of the Vyantara-gods was to escort the beggars to their homes after they had received alms, while that of the Jyotisha gods was to tell the correct time for giving alms. Thus, one crore and eight lacs of gold coins were given in charity every day. This system continued for one full year. Prince Mahavira donated three thousand millions eight hnndred and eighty eight millions of gold coins to the beggars excluding the sum which was donated by king NandiVardhana at the same time.
We have referred to this enormous sum of donation only to show the reader how our Lord placed before the world an ideal example of the importance of charity by giving alms to the poor and needy with his own pious hands. He has shown us that charity is the first step towards salvation,
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| SR No. | 002027 |
| Book Title | Bhagavana Mahavira |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Chauthmal Maharaj |
| Publisher | Jainoday Pustak Prakashan Samiti Ratlam |
| Publication Year | 1942 |
| Total Pages | 630 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Story, & Biography |
| File Size | 12 MB |