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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
INTRODUCTION
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divine playmates. He soon developed a fine physique, wore costly ornaments, and was endowed with noble qualities (1, *1-8, 2-4).
XX. He had two beautiful queens, Yaśasvatī and Sunanda. One day he was seated on the Lion-throne in the assembly, attended by his sons, named, Bharata and others. To strike the note of renunciation, Devendra sent the nymph Nīlāñjana who was highly proficient in dancing. But her life was short. Even while she was dancing, she disappeared like a flash of lightening; this led Vrşat ha to recollect, through his clairvoyant knowledge, how worldly things and relatives are anitya, momentary and fleeting (1-4, *1-8). Realizing that Samsāra is attended with all sorts of sorrows, he abstained from the enjoyment of pleasures ( 5 ). Worldly pleasures end in pain : it is sheer ignorance to run after them with infatuation (6). Gods encouraged him in his thoughts of renunciation ( 7-8 ), honoured him, and confirmed him in his religious practices. Vrşabha renounced the world and solemnly accepted the Nirgrantha form of dikşa ( 9-12).
xxi He practised exemplary meditation, fasting for six months. He created thereby an atmosphere of peace, friendship and kindliness round about him, in the forest. To break his fast, he received food from Śreyānkumāra once in his tour. He bacame triumphant in his medita. tion in a park near Purimatāla (1-2, *1-8, 3.4 ).
xxii. He developed Kevala-Jñāna or omniscience. Kubera constructed for him the Samavasarana (a Divine Hall for preaching ), in which all the living beings gathered together to hear him. Indras and others came there
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