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daunted. He neither changed his route nor slowed down his pace of movement. He passed by the abodes of the thieves and crossed through a number of villages such as Suyoga, Succhetā, Malaya and Hastisirsa. At each one of these places, the wicked god Sangama was after him and he continued to create diverse troubles for him.
Mahavira reached a village named Tosali and went into meditation in the park. Guised as a monk, Sangama went into the village and broke into a house through the wall. People took him to be a thief, caught him and beat him very severely. While howling, Sangama said,
I am only
"Why do you beat me ? I am innocent. carrying out my guru's order."
The people shouted,
"Who is your guru? Where is he ?"
Sangama led the people into the park and pointed to Mahāvira who was still in meditation. Now the people launched an attack on him. They tied him and started preparations to take him to the village. Just then, a magician named Mahābhūtila came there. He revealed the identity of Mahavira to the villagers and got his release. The people were now looking for the so-called monk who had posed as a disciple, but he was nowhere to be found. The villagers were now convinced that there was some conspiracy behind the whole thing (4).
From Tosali, Mahavira reached Mosali. He was in meditation in the park when Sangama again charged him of being a thief. The policemen came and arrested him. He was brought before the king. King Siddhartha's friend, one Sumagadha who was present at the court at this time recognised him at once. He stood up and saluted him. He introduced Mahavira to the king and got him released. Mahåvira came back to the park and started his meditation again(5).
Once, Mahavira was in meditation in a kayotsarga posture. Sangama placed some booty beside him. People took him to be a thief, caught him and brought him before
