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[The Title of 'Mahavira' to Prince Vardhamana
game began. Vardhamana was 'victorious' every time. He mounted on the back of the boys one by one. When the god's turn came to be ridden, he thought it a good opportunity for deceiving Vardhamana and testing. his strength. As soon as Vardhamana mounted upon his back, he began to enlarge his body till it was as tall as a palm tree. Not only did the height increase but the breadth, too, increased proportionately. With his formidable shape, the god wanted to frighten Vardhamana, but he was too clever to be thus duped. His companions were, no doubt, panic-stricken. He was very sorry to see them running in all directions. He, therefore, gave a slight blow on the back of the god, who bent under it and was constrained to lower down his body. Vardhamana got off it very easily and called his friends to come near him. The boys were very much pleased. They ran up to him and clasped him into their arms. Meanwhile, the god assumed his real form, prostrated himself before Vardhamana, and asked forgiveness for his fault. He said, “I had disbelieved the words of Indra who had eulogized your strength and glory. I, therefore, came here to test your strength by various means. But, now, I find that you have proved yourself far worthier than what the Lord of Heaven described. Indeed, you possess measureless strength." Having said these words, the god departed for his own place. On his way home, whereever he stopped he talked to others about the bravery of prince Vardhamana. The boys, too, were very glad to hear the words of the god. They stopped the game and returned to their homes, praising the courage of the prince all the while on their way. When they reached their homes they related the whole story about that day's incident to their
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