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Lord Mahavira's Birthplace : 71
Interpretation of 'Videha'
One of largest single factor in contributing to the above confusion is the word 'Videha'. Traditionally it has been the name of a state with Mithila as its capital. It is also the name of an important clan amongst the 'Aşta Kulas' existing in the Vijji (Vajji) Gaṇatantra during Mahavira's time. Three other important clans being Jñātrik, Licchavi and Vajji. According to Jaina canon it is also one of the 'Āryadeśa' amongst the 25-1/2 Āryadeśas. Finally, it is also a word of the language assigned different meanings as follows:
Vi-deh i.e. a state of total detachment from things ‘physical'. Vi-deh i.e. a person with a special (Visişța) body. An alien (Vi-deśa)
The most quoted reference where Videha has been used in Mahavira's context is Ācārānga Sūtra and also Kalpa Sūtra. The word 'Videha' and its derivatives have been used five times in the following sūtra from the oldest Āgama - Ācārānga (Sūtra 746, Beawar Publication), 3rd century BC. It has been repeated almost in the same words in Kalpasūtra (Sūtra 110, Kalpasūtra, Prakrit Bharati Jaipur).
Saman Bhagvam Mahavira, gnate, gnatputte,
gnaykulvinivatte, Videhe,
Videhdinne, Videlyacche, Videinsumale, teesam vasaain,
videlhe tii kattu
Here the word 'Jñāta' clearly indicates the patriarchic clan or the 'kula' of Mahavira. This is undisputed. However, it is the word ‘Videha' and its derivatives which need to be examined in depth since these have been translated variously. Take for instance 'videhjaccae', In the Beawar edition of Ācārānga, it has been translated as the son of' Videhdatta' although jacca' primarily
