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Bhagawan Mahavir ]
[ 221
As the day of initiation approached nearer the face of Lord Mahavira shone brighter with joy. King Nandivardhana also, ordered his servants to decorate the town in a beautiful manner. The servants receiving their behests took to their respective duties whole-heartedly. The pavilions etc. and other things were erected in their proper places. In order to see and celebrate that grand initiation ceremony all the sixty-four Indras and other gods and goddesses arrived there. The kings of numerous principalities, chiefs and chieftains also gathered in a large number. A grand palanquin studded with jewels, called " Chandraprabha was made ready. On that day a huge crowd of people was spread on all the sides. The musical instruments were playing solemn melodies in such a manner that they were as if announcing to the assembled people the unreality of the world and shouting with sky-rending voices O dear friends! the creatures of the world realize the importance of self-restraint in order to achieve eternal joy."
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Lord Mahavira was taken to the bathroom on the morning of the 10th day of Agahana Krishna. There he was anointed with the cool and refreshing water of the KshiraSagara! There were gods standing on all sides of the bathroom. Indra and other gods were holding garments in their hands, which were to be put on by the prince. After the bath his body was anointed with highly perfumed unguents made of excellent varieties of sandals etc., which were very cooling, fargrant and highly prophylactic. After the anoinment he was dressed in divine robes and decorated with ornaments and was seated in the grand, well-decorated, palanquin Chandraprabha by name. It is extremely difficult to describe
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