Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

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The Unknown Pilgrims
the Great Hero, totally liberated, left this earth for eternal nirvāṇa, just as his chief disciple, Indrabhuti, attained perfect knowledge.51 That self-same dark night eighteen princes who were observing a fast placed lamps at their doors, symbolising through these lights that were clearly visible the invisible interior light of the one whose knowledge had enlightened them for so many years.52
Since that time Mahāvira has inspired in thousands of hearts an ardent devotion, which has expressed itself in architecture, sculpture, iconography and an abundant literature in Prākrit, Sanskrit and local languages, 53 a devotion which is directed towards imitation of this Hero, in his virtues, his struggles and his final victory, and towards following the path that he taught.
When Mahāvira the kevalin started to tour the towns and villages to teach the way of Liberation, many, attracted by his example and his teaching, left all in order to follow him. Even if the number of disciples given by the Kalpa-sūtra is exaggerated, we may take note of
the fact that the number of aryikās thirty thousand, is higher than that \ of the śramaņas, fourteen thousand. 54 It is a matter of common
51 Cf. KS 123; 126. Pāpā or Pāvāpuri is in Pațaliputra District. Mahāvira is said to have lived to the age of 72 and opinion is divided as to the date of his nirväņa; Jaina tradition gives 527 B.C. and this date is accepted by Agrawala, 1976, p. 9; cf. also JSK I, pp. 324-325. Basham, 1959, p. 290 and Atlas chronological chart give 466 B.C. Winternitz, 1977, pp. 614-615, after studying the different hypotheses, concludes: "I should prefer to say that the real date of Mahāvira's Nirvāṇa is still unknown."
$2 SkrS I, 6, 22; cf. I, 6 in toto for praise to Mahāvira. The anniversary of Mahavira's nirvāņa at the new moon of kárttika is celebrated the same day as dipavali, the Hindu Festival of Light.
53 The celebration of the 2,500th anniversary of Mahavira's nirvāṇa in 19741975 has given a fresh impetus to the Jaina community and has resulted in
the undertaking of translations and critical editions of the Agamas and other V texts, seminars and the foundation of research institutes.
54 Cf. KS 133-134.