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beauty was at its best and her iron chains turned into gold ornaments. She was now hailed all over the city as a great lady.
The report reached the king's palace where the king and the queen heard about Candanavālā. It came to light that Mrgāvati was her own maternal aunt. She was at once taken to the palace. The king started looking for a suitable groom to settle her; but she made it clear that she was not keen to settle in dornestic life.
After the attainment of omniscience, when Mahāvira came to Madhyama Paya and held his first congregation, Candana vālā was initiated into his order as a nun. It was the occasion when Mahāvira accepted many lay followers and administered them necessary vows. These became śrāvakas and srāvikās. The fourfold order emerged in this manner, consisting of the monks, the nuns, male followers and female followers, and collectively, it was given the name 'tirtha!, and as the organiser of the tirtha, Mahavira became the celebrated Tirthankara, the Organiser of the Fourfold Order (6).
3. Meghakumará - Meghakumarā was the son of King Srenika. He was married to eight princesses. Once, Tirthankara Mahāvira came to Rajagrha. King Sreniks and the entire royal household came to pay their homage and tribute. After the sermon was over, people returned home. Even the king went back to his palace. Mahavira's words had, however, created a great inspiration in the mind of Prince Meghakumarã,and he saw a new way opened before him. He became keen to give up his life at the palace and take the life of a wandering monk. He came to his parents, and with folded hands, he submitted to them as follows:
"You are my parents, and it is under your care and affection that I have grown. During the years of my life, you have taken great pains for me. But now I pray for one thing from you. I have seen through life and it holds no more attraction for me. At this moment, Bhagavān Mahāvirais present in the city, and if you be so good as to permit me. I would like to utilise this chance and follow him like a monk in his order".
