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PART I TIRTHANKARS
Observing the miseries that living beings had to experience in their worldly lives, Pärshva-kumär
developed a high degree of detachment towards worldly possessions and relationships. At the age of 30, he renounced all his possessions and family and
Meghamäli trying to cause distress to Bhagawän Pärshvanäth
became a monk. Eventually, he was known as Pärshvanäth. He spent most of his time meditating in search of the ultimate truth.
Once, while Pärshvanäth was in meditation, Meghamäli saw him from heaven. He recalled how Pärshva-kumär had interfered in his fire ritual in his earlier life and saw his chance for revenge. Using his supernatural powers, he brought forth all kinds of fierce animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, and snakes to attack monk Pärshvanäth. However, Pärshvanäth, immersed in deep meditation, remained peaceful and untouched. Meghamäli tried a new tactic and brought forth heavy rains. The rainwater touched the feet of Pärshvanäth and started accumulating. The water rose up to his knees, then to his waist, and in no time it reached his neck, but Pärshvanäth remained focused meditation.
At this event, instead of feeling remorse or pity for the snake, Kamath was very annoyed by the interference of Pärshvakumär. Since he was powerless at that time, Kamath resolved to seek revenge. He began observing an even more severe penance and, at the end of his life, he was reborn in heaven as Meghamäli, the god of rain.
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Dharanendra, the heavenly god, noticed the situation and realized that Pärshvanäth, his benefactor from his last life, was going to drown in the rising floodwater. Immediately, Dharanendra descended and created a lotus-form with his tail so that Pärshvanäth would float on the
water (it also said that Dharanendra placed a quick growing lotus flower below Pärshvanäth's feet to make him float on the water). He then spread his fangs over the head and sides of Pärshvanäth in order to protect him from the
Dharanendra protecting Bhagawän Pärshvanäth
JAIN STORY BOOK
