________________
Bhagawan Mahavir ]
[ 227
LORD'S DEPARTURE FOR
KUMARAGAON When Lord Mahavira stepped out of the jungle to go toward Kumaragaon the king Nandivardhana and all his family began to gaze at him with wistful eyes and began to lament bitterly at his separation. King Nandivardhana spoke in a pitiful voice, “O brother: how shall I be able to pass, without you, the remaining days of my life ? When shall I meet my comrade ? With whom shall I be able to discuss and solve the intricate problems of politics ? O brother you being free from affection and malice will not remember anybody, but how shall I be able to forget you ?" Alas! there was no friend with him there at that time to console him except his flowing tears tried to soothe his burning heart but how could it be possible for the humble tears to succeed, when even gods had failed to soothe him.
They gazed at the departing figure of the Lord, till it vanished from their sight. Now they began to cry and lament more bitterly. Finally being consoled by Indra etc. and taking Lord's divine words as their constant companion, they returned to their respective places. The gods also went to their respective abodes.
OBSTACLES IN HIS FIRST TOUR
The fragrance of the highly performed unguents applied to the Lord's body was spreading in all the directions. The big bees, mad with its aroma began to search for its source in different directions. Finally, having secured the body of the Lord, the source of the fragrance, they being charmed by the fragnance, began to perch on his body and feed upon
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
