Jain Journal 1967 04

SR No.: 520006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1967
Total Pages: 104
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 6 MB

Page 35

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The seven passages analysed so far are pointed out in the article of Charpentier. While reading Buddhacarya of Sankrityayana we have come across certain other passages as well in which the Buddha and Mahavira are shown at the same place at a particular time. One such is given below:
8. From the Cula Sakuludayi Sutta (Maj. Nik., II. 3.9) we know (Buddhacarya, pp. 262-267, esp. p. 263) that there was a conversation between Sakula-Udayi and the Buddha at Rajagrha in which a reference was made by Sakula-Udayi to Mahavira. The date of this event as given by Sankrityayana is 512 B.C. which is equivalent to 516 B.C. according to our calculation. We have already proved above that in 516 B.C. both the Buddha and Mahavira passed their rainy season at Rajagrha. [The text in the Sutta, however, does not make Mahavira's presence at Rajagrha necessary.]
JAIN JOURNAL
Thus my conclusion is that in case the Buddha's date is regarded as 567-487 B.C., the date of Mahavira should be:
Birth: 561 B.C. (April)
Death 490 B.C. (November)23
Here we would like to point out a mistake usually committed by many. When the date of the death of Mahavira is indicated, people find out the date of his birth by adding 72. This is wrong. Mahavira was alive for 71 years 6 months and 17 days, i.e., approximately for 72 years. If we add 72 we actually give him a life of 721 years, i.e., one year more than the real length of his life. It happens in this way. Suppose the date of his death is 490 B.C. If we add 72 to this in the usual manner, the date of birth comes to 562 B.C. Now Mahavira was born in April and died in November. So from April, 562 B.C. to November, 490 B.C. will be 72 years and 7 months while the real length of his life was 71 years and about 7 months. Hence we should add only 71 in order to find out the date of his birth.
28 In case the Buddha's date is regarded as 566-486 B.C., the date of Mahavira in my opinion will be 560-489 B.C.
Reprinted from Yogendra Mishra, An Early History of Vaisali, 1962, pp. 194-212. Courtesy Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi.