________________
4. The Birth
The Liberator has arrived
J
n keeping with the Arhat tradition, ordained men and women travel barefoot explaining the Arhat path to liberation. Today we are headed for Kundagram*, the birthplace of Mahavir. This is where the young prince Vardhaman (Mahavir's original name) grew up. This is the holy soil where he played with his friends, and where the divine fragrances of every tree still reminds everyone of his youth. As we arrived, the citizens of Kundagram were anxiously awaiting their dearest son. Mahavir may be a celebrity and a Tirthankar for the rest of the world, but for them he was their beloved prince. He was a dear friend to many-those in the royal family, those who watched him grow, and those who played with him in the royal gardens and nearby forests.
Although Tirthankar Mahavir was to stay at the Bahusal gardens on the outskirts of Kundagram, Maharaja Nandivardhan had ordered that the entire city be decorated to welcome his younger brother. The streets were immaculately cleaned, the houses freshly painted, and welcome gates were built at the entrance to the city. The town's people had also painted colorful auspicious symbols in their front yards.
Some people believe that Mahavir was born in Kshtriyakund. Further historical and archeological research may establish the exact place of Mahavir's birth.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
