I am Mahavira

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 16

I AM MAHAVIRA
I was named as Vardhamāna (Growing) at the first
instance. However, now a days, the people call me as Sanmati (good intellect), Vīra (Hero), Ativīra (Excessively Hero), and Mahāvīra (Great Hero) also. The people have given me these names at different times on the basis of my qualities and deeds. Out
of these names, the name Mahavira has become very famous.
The people, later, told me that I was very beautiful and healthy. However, my nature was somewhat serious. I was very fast in studies. I had been the leader of my group. On account of this, my teachers were also highly pleased with me. They taught me with great encouragement. They were called Professors of Arts and Crafts. (Kalācāryas & Śilpācāryas)
Once, an aged pundit came to my teacher. He asked him about me. Later, he asked me some difficult questions. I gave answers to all of them properly. The questions were related with mathematics, astrology, archery and spiritualism. He was pleased with my replies. He was also wonder-struck as to how I could answer such difficult questions at such a small age. They told my teacher that I was an extraordinary and brilliant disciple. That is why; I could completely study Vedas, Sub-Vedas and archery at a small age of sixteen years. I became proficient in worldly and super worldly learnings.