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Distributing his state among his sons Bhagavāna became free of all burdens. He had attended to all the problems of the masses and · provided an effective system. Now he had to renounce the world and proceed for spiritual uplift. He sought permission from his parents, Marudevi and Nābhirāya, and all family members and proceeded for formal renunciation. Bhagavāna was not only the beloved of the masses, for them he was also the object of devotion, the source of life, the creator of their world, and the sustainer lord of their social structure. Therefore, to witness the auspicious occasion of his initiation a continuous stream of countless humans was following his steps. Also with him were his parents who could not contain their desire to witness this religious ceremony related to the son who was revered by the three worlds. Bharata and other sons as also other kings accompanied with various things needed for worship ritual. Abandoning their regalia, Yaśasvatī, Sunandā, and other royal ladies also accompanied in plane
garb.
Thus Bhagavāna arrived at the Purimatāla garden. Sitting on a rock he abandoned inner and outer possessions. Throwing away his dress and ornaments, he sat in lotus posture, uttered "Namaḥ Siddhebhyaḥ”, pulled out his hair, and commenced his meditation. Overwhelmed with devotion and in order to follow the path taken by Bhagavāna four thousand kings also became unclad and sat down in meditation emulating Bhagavāna.
DIVERSION OF SOME PEOPLE TO EASY LIFE
Bhagavāna Rşabhadeva fasted for six months and indulged in vigorous austerities. His hair grew long. The four thousand kings who became unclad ascetics emulating Bhagavāna were ignorant about religion. They could not endure that life filled with vigorous austerities, neither could they retrace their steps to become householders for fear of retribution from emperor Bharata. Therefore, they remained in the forest using leaves and bark for dress and fruit and roots for food. They also had long hair. In due course many of them became founders of various religions. Prominent among them was Rşabhadeva's grandson Marici.
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