________________
494 ]
[Treatment of Mahavira's Disease
66
named Sana-Koshtaka. As soon as the people heard of his arrival, they came in very large numbers to see and touch his feet. The fever which was caused by Tejoleshya was still giving pain to the Lord. One day, a hermit named Simha-Anagara, who practised penances in a wood near the garden, Maliya-Kachchhe by name heard from the passers-by that Goshala had cursed the Lord to die within six months, and that no body know what was to happen as the health of the Lord was gradually declining day by day. The sad news touched the heart of the hermit, who now began to weep very mournfully. 'If unfortunately the Lord died what would be the condition of the world?" He thought. Lord Mahavira came to know of this fact and sent for the hermit at once. The hermit came and bowed down to him. Then Lord Mahavira said, "Why are you so sad, O Hermit, I shall roam like a strong elephant for about 16 years more. At the same time it is useless to mourn for a thing which is destined to happen. Do not care for the future therefore. Go to Revati, the wife of a rich man, who lives in the neighbouring village. She has prepared the paka of Bijaura (same preparation of Bigafura fruit. ) bring that for me. "In obedience to the Lord, the hermit went to the house of Revati Devi. she was very much pleased at this sudden arrival of the hermit. She asked him with folded hands as to what service she could render him. The hermit replied that he had come to take the Paka, which she had prepared, for Lord Mahavira. The Joy of Revati knew no bounds to hear these words of the hermit. She got up at once and gave the Paka to him with great devotion and sincerity, The hermit brought the Paka to the Lord, who ate it and was cured of his
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
