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## The Story of Sakdalputra
Sakdalputra's primary occupation was making and selling earthenware. He had five hundred workshops outside the city of Polaspur, where many paid workers toiled. Every morning, they would arrive and begin crafting various sizes and types of pots. The sale of these pots was handled through a separate system. Sakdalputra employed many individuals who would sell the pots in the city's marketplaces, crossroads, fields, and public spaces.
Sakdalputra's wife was named Agnimitra. She was skilled in household duties and a partner in her husband's joys and sorrows.
Sakdalputra was deeply devoted to his religious principles and dedicated time to worship. [It was an era where individuals lived according to their beliefs, and faith was not merely a matter of words.]
One day, Sakdalputra went to his Ashoka garden in the afternoon and engaged in religious devotion according to his beliefs. Shortly after, a celestial being appeared. The celestial being, residing in the sky, addressed Sakdalputra, saying, "Tomorrow morning, the Mahamahan, the holder of unhindered knowledge and vision, the revered one of the three worlds, the Arhat, the Jina, the Kevali, the omniscient, the all-seeing, will arrive here. You should offer him your homage and worship, and invite him for a place, a mat, a cushion, etc." The celestial being departed. Sakdalputra thought, "The celestial being has given me excellent news. My religious teacher, Mankhaliputra Goshalak, will arrive here tomorrow. He is the Jina, the Arhat, and the Kevali, so I will definitely offer him my homage and worship. I will invite him for things he might need."
The next morning, Lord Mahavira arrived. He stayed in the Sahasramravan garden. Many devotees went to see him. Sakdalputra, thinking that his teacher Goshalak had arrived, also went to see him.
Lord Mahavira delivered his sermon. Sakdalputra, along with others, listened. Lord Mahavira knew that Sakdalputra was easily enlightened. He should be inspired by the true Dharma. Therefore, he addressed him, saying, "Yesterday afternoon, the celestial being who informed you about the arrival in the Ashoka garden was not referring to Goshalak." Sakdalputra was impressed by Lord Mahavira's direct knowledge and his mind was filled with joy. He stood up, offered proper homage to Lord Mahavira, and requested him to visit his workshops and accept the necessary materials. Lord Mahavira accepted his request and went there.
Sakdalputra was impressed by Lord Mahavira's personality and his extrasensory knowledge, but Lord Mahavira knew that his theoretical faith lay with Mankhaliputra Goshalak. Lord Mahavira wanted to guide him at the right moment. One day, Sakdalputra was having the pots kept inside his workshop for ventilation, brought out to be placed in the sun. Lord Mahavira saw this as an opportunity...