________________
BHAGAWÄN MAHÄVIR
01 Bhagawän Mahävir
NUUTODUD
Bhagawan Mahavir delivering sermon from Samavasaran
About 2600 years ago, religion in India took on a very ugly turn. The management of the original four classes of society - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras had deteriorated. Brahmins were learned people and considered themselves to be very superior. The fate of Shudras or untouchables was terrible and they were required to serve the other castes forever performing the most degrading tasks. They were not allowed to engage in other professions. The importance of sacrifices as a symbol of giving up and renouncing had been misconstrued and it had taken on a very violent form. Animal sacrifices were performed regularly and people believed that these sacrifices would please the Gods and in return their wishes would be fulfilled.
Under such social and religious conditions, Mahävir was born in the month of Chaitra on the 13th day of the waxing (increasing in size) cycle of the moon in 599 BC as per the Indian calendar. This day falls in the month of April and is celebrated as Mahävir Janma Kalyanak day. He was born in the region known as Kshatriya-kund or Kundalpur in the present-day state of Bihar, India. His parents were King
JAIN STORY BOOK
Jain Education international
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.nelitary org
