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LIFE OF BHAGAWÄN MAHÄVIR
The thrones of Indra and the other heavenly gods received tremors the moment Bhagawan Mahävir attained omniscience. Immediately hosts of gods thronged there to celebrate the fourth Kalyänak or auspicious occasion.
delivered a soul-stirring and heartfelt sermon in the assembly of gods, human beings, and animals. Even though a great sacrifice was in progress simultaneously in another part of the city, huge crowds were seen going in the opposite direction towards the Samavasaran. Indrabhuti of Gautam Gotra, the chief priest, was told about Bhagawän Mahävir's Samavasaran. On hearing this, his vanity was hurt and he decided to put to test the so-called omniscience of the saint. He, therefore, decided to visit the Samavasaran accompanied by his disciples.
Samavasaran for Bhagawan Mahavir's first sermon
They constructed a divine Assembly Hall known as Samavasaran for Bhagawan Mahävir's first sermon. He delivered the first sermon at night when only the gods were present. Then, Bhagawan traveled to Päväpuri and stayed in the garden named Mahäsen. The gods constructed another Samavasaran hall. Sitting under the Ashok tree, Mahävir delivered a sermon in Ardha- Mägadhi.
Eleven Ganadhars being initiated Mahävir called him by his name and without being asked resolved his doubts about the soul, upon which Gautam along with his 500 disciples accepted monk hood. Hearing this, the remaining ten learned scholars came there and having their secret doubts resolved, accepted initiation with 4400 disciples. Mahävir established the four-fold Sangha and preached the path to liberation. 11 learned Brahmins became his principles disciples and are known as Ganadhars.
Eleven Learned Brahmins Initiated as
Ganadhars
Bhagawän Mahävir, endowed with many Atishaya or distinguished attributes,
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THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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