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The rainwater touched the feet of Parshwanath and started accumulating. The water rose up to his knees, then to his waist, and in on time reached his neck.
developed perfect equanimity. He did not have any special affection for Dharanendra for the protection he had extended or hatred for Meghamali for the distress he had caused. Developing a higher purity of consciousness, he ultimately attained omniscience on
Dharanendra noticed that Parshwanath, his benefactor was going to drown in the rising floodwater. Immediately Dharanendra descended and placed a quick growing lotus flower below Parshwanathis feet so that he could float on the water. Then he spread his fangs over the head and sides of Parshwanath in order to protect him from the pouring rain. All of Meghamali's efforts to harass Parshwanath were in vain. He was disappointed and realized that he was unnecessarily creating trouble for the graceful, merciful Lord. He withdrew all his supernatural powers and fell at Parshwanath's feet with a sense of deep remorse. He sincerely begged the Lord to forgive him for his evil acts.
During that period of distress, Parshwnath had been in meditation. He had not been aware of Meghamalis attacks or Dharanendra's protection. Parshwanath had
the 84th day of his renunciation. That was the 4th day of the dark half of the month of Falgun (that usually falls in April).
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LIFE SKETCH OF TIRTHANKARAS
