________________
LIFE OF MAHAVIRA
ANANDA K. COOMARASWAMY
At the close of his allotted period of existence in heaven, where he had dwelt for twenty ages subsequent to his last incarnation, Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, took conception in the womb of Devananda, the wife of the Brahmana Risabhadatta, in the town of Kundagrama (probably a suburb of Vaisali, capital of Videha or Mithila, the modern Tirhut).
That night the Brāhmaṇi Devananda lay in fitful slumber, between sleeping and waking, and she dreamed fourteen auspicious and blessed dreams, to wit of an elephant, a bull, a lion, the lustration (of Laksmi), a garland, the moon, the sun, a flag, a vase, a lotus pool, an ocean, a celestial mansion, a heap of jewels, and a flame. She awoke from these dreams happy and contented; and having firmly fixed the dreams in her mind, she arose from her couch. Neither hasty nor trembling, but with the even gait of a royal swan, she sought the Brahmana Risabhadatta and greeted him. Then she sat down in a rich state chair; calm and composed, with folded hands, she related to him the dreams. He saw that they foretold a son, beautiful and perfect and clever, who would become acquainted with all branches of scripture, grammar, and science. She accepted the interpretation, and he and she rejoiced together.
Jain Education International
Meanwhile Sakra (Indra), wielder of the thunderbolt, rider of Airavata, wearing robes as spotless as the pure sky, and trembling ear-rings of bright gold, sat on his throne in the council hall Sudharman in heaven. He who is ruler of heaven and all the gods of heaven and earth was then enjoying the divine pleasures, such as music and playing and story-telling. He likewise surveyed the whole land of Jambudvipa (India) with his allembracing gaze, and he saw that Mahavira was conceived in the womb of Devananda. Trembling with delight, he arose from his throne, and descending from the jewelled foot-stool, he cast his seamless robe over his left shoulder and advanced in the direction of the Holy One. Then knelt and touched the ground with his head thrice, and joining the palms of his hands, raised them above his head and said: 'Reverence to the
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
