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samucchinnakriya-anivrtti of white meditation. Then he lived in the rock-like state (sailaeśi) for as much time as is taken to utter a,, i, u,.,,1, and having completely exhausted his non-terminable karma, Mahăvira attained the state of perfection, enlightenment and liberation(11).
It was the fourth month of the rainy season, the dark half of the month, the 15th day, the last full-moon night of the fortnight. Five years make one yuga; it was the second year of the yuga and it was named Candra. Twelve months make one year; it was the fourth month named Pritivardhana. There are two fortnights in a month; the fortnight was named Nandivardhana. Fifteen days make a fortnight; it was the fifteenth day called Agnivesya, also called Upasama. There are fifteen nights in a fortnight; it was the fifteenth night. called Devānandā or Nirati. The lava at that time was Arca, the prāna was Muhurta, the stoka was Siddha(12), the karana was Naga (13). There are 30 muhūrtas in one day-night; it was the twenty-ninth muhūrta named Sarvārtha-siddhi(14). At that time, the asterism Svāti was in conjunction with the moon.
The final sermon of Bhagavān Mahavira lasted for 16 praharas (48 hours)(15). He was on a fast missing six meals (16). There were many question and discussions, King Punyapāla enquired about the outcome of his eight dreams. On receiving the answer, he became indifferent to the world and became initiated as a monk(17). King Hastipāla also received inspiration to be initiated as a monk,
On a point of enquiry, Indrabhūti Gautama asked,
"Bhante! After your liberation, when will the fifth faction of the time-cycle commence"?
Mahavira - "Gautama! It will commence after the expiry of 3 years and eight and half months".
On further questions by Gautama, Mahavira gaye out the names of the Tirthankaras, Vasudevas, Baladevas, Patriarchs and other who would make their appearance in the next up-phase of the time-cycle.
