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Bhagawan Mahavir ]
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of washing away the dirt from the roads by means of rain-water from the sky. All the Kumaris (maidens) came there, in their celestial garments, from all directions, and assembled in the maternity house of queen Trishala under the pretext that they would sing ceremonial songs and take part in other functions also. Shakrendra ( the Lord of Heavens ), too, came there with his family with the intention that he may find an opportunity for casting a devotional look on and serve the future Liberator of this world. Ten twenty and thirty-two Indras of various celestial regions, Seens and Moons hastened to take part in the birthcelebrations of the son of King Siddhartha. All the gods obserevd the birth ceremony of Lord Mahavir in great hilarity and mirthfulness. The reader may say that Siddhartha was a very small king or, to be more precise, a mere cheaftain; and as such, how could it be possible or proper for so high souls as gods to come and join in the birth celebrations of his son ? But they should remember, in the first place, that although Siddhartha was not a great king still he, was connected with a great kingdom of his time-the kingdom of Vishali, which was, then, one of the most prosperous and well-known kingdoms of India. Secondly, the effect of righteous deeds of his son that be had done in his previous lives had already bred in the minds of people an idea of vastness of his wealth, kingdom, happiness and fortune. These were the two main causes, on account of which all great men and gods took part in the birth-celebrations of his son. The gods also celebrated the 'Athai’ Mahotsava (a ceremony named 'Athai' which extends over eight days ) in the Nandish wara Dvipa (the Island
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