Jain Journal 1967 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 71

MAHAVIRA AS A TIRTHANKARA
KEVALIN
A Chronology
KALYAN VIJAYA GANI
[On this less known aspect of Lord Mahavira's Life, the learned author has, after painstaking researches from the Acaranga, the Kalpa Sutra and the Abasyak Niryukti, their bhāṣyas, curnis and tikās, compiled a complete chronology, year by year, whose English translation and adaptation are being given below. He has also drawn occasionally from the Mahavira Caritas composed in the medieval period by such erudite scholars and poets as Nemi Candra, Guna Candra and Hema Candra. More interested readers are, however, referred to the original Hindi text entitled Sramana Bhagawan Mahavira.]
Era pre-Vikrama 500-499 (approximately B. C. 557-56)
This was the thirteenth year of Mahavira's life as a śramaṇa (mendicant) when he attained the knowledge perfect (kevala jñāna) on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Vaisakha on the fourth part of the day on the bank of the river Riju Valuka. This was hailed by the gods from heaven who descended on earth to hold the first congregation (samavasarana) on the very spot.
near.
to
About this time a sacrifice was being celebrated in the city of Madhyma Pava in which were assembled the wise men from far and Mahavira thought of using the occasion obtain valuable recruits for his tirtha (order). So he covered the distance of 12 yojanas the same night and settled in the Mahasena park of the city. Here he held the second congregation. In this congregation in course of a day 4411 Brahmins headed by their ācāryas, eleven in number, who later became known as Mahavira's gaṇadharas, became converted to the śramana order. They were: Indrabhuti, Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti of Gautama gotra, Aryavyakta, Sudharma, Mandika, Mauryaputra, Akampika, Acalabhrata, Metarya and Prabhasa. Here in this park was established the four-fold order consisting of the monks and nuns, and the lay followers, male as well as female.