ABC of Jainism

Author(s): S L Jain
Publisher: Maitree Samooh

Page 21

CHAPTER 10
BHAGWAN MAHAVIR The birth name of Bhagwam Mahavir was Vardhman. The name of his father was king Siddharth. Mother's name was Queen Trishla Devi. He was born in Kundgram of Veshali on Chetra Shukla 13 th. He was very lucky by birth. His heart was filled with wellbeing for all. Therefore he attained the status of a Tirthankar. When he was born, his birthday was celebrated by celestials. Bhagwan Mahavir was very attractive by birth. He used to speak very sweet. He used to by affectionate. Therefore everyone liked him. Bhagwan Mahavir was very intelligent in his childhood. He solved even difficult problems with ease. Once, his friends came to his palace to meet him. He was on the fourth floor. Friend inquired from his mother about him. Mother replied that he was upstairs. All friends reached the upper floors and asked his father about him. His father replied that he was downstairs, the friends were confused. At last, they could search Vardhman on the fourth floor and asked him about the different answers given by his parents. Vardhman counseled them that the parents have given the correct answers. The mother was on second floor and therefore, with respect to her he was upstairs. The father was on the sixty floor and therefore with respect to him he was downstairs. He said to his friends that the truth was always relative. Bhagwan Mahavir was very generous & moral from his childhood. He never hurt anyone. He always spoke truth. He never had any feelings off stealing. He never had any bad sexual feelings. He never collected un-necessary things with greed. Children! We should also try to become generous and kind. Bhagwan Mahavir was very pious from his childhood. Two monks-Sanjay and Vijay got the answer of their questions only by seeing him. Therefore, one of his name was "Sanmati". Children! To have pious feelings with intelligence is called "Sanmati". We must keep our feelings pure. Bhagwan Mahavir was very brave in his childhood. He conquered a mad elephant with his affectionate feelings. Therefore, he was also named as "Veer". Children! To conquer the heart of all with affection is bravery.