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APRIL, 1967
loka and aloka, jiva and ajiva, etc. He also answered Gautama's queries on the location of spheres or loka-sthiti. The monsoons were spent at Rajagrha.
23rd year, pre-Vikrama 490-89
Then he moved to north-west passing through many a village preaching and reached at last the Chatrapalasa caitya in the vicinity of Kacangala. At this time in a monastery near Sravasti, there lived a learned mendicant Skandaka of the Katyayana line who was supposed to be well-versed in the Vedic literature. When Mahavira had reached the Chatrapalasa caitya, Skandaka had come to Sravasti on business. Here he met a Nirgrantha śramana who simultaneously asked him five questions. But Skandaka could give no reply even though the questions were repeated. He was in deeper water. Just at that moment he heard of Mahavira's arrival at Chatrapalasa. So he returned to his monastery, equipped himself with the dress and insignia of his holy order and set out for the caitya where Mahavira stayed. Meanwhile Mahavira was telling Gautama that that day he would be seeing one of his old acquaintances. Mahavira narrated the whole incident between Skandaka and the Nirgrantha monk to Gautama. When Gautama saw Skandaka coming, he went forward to receive him and narrated what Mahavira had already communicated to him. This was really impressive. Skandaka being introduced, Mahavira solved all the issues raised by the Nirgrantha monk whereupon Skandaka discarded the dress and insignia of his previous order and became a follower of the Lord. Skandaka was already spiritually advanced. His ascent was now quick. He discarded the earthly frame through fasting on the Vipulacala hill.
203
After the conversion of Skandaka, Mahavira came back to the Kosthaka caitya at Sravasti where the Gathapati Nandinipita and Gāthāpati Salihipita with their consorts became the followers of the path. From Sravasti he returned to Videha and spent the monsoons at Vanijyagrama.
24th year, pre-Vikrama 489-88
After the monsoons, Mahavira came to Bahusala caitya at Brahmanakunda. Here Jamali expressed his desire to the Lord to permit him to establish a separate Order for his five hundred followers but received no approval. So he deserted the order. Starting from Brahmanakunda, Mahavira entered Vatsya and therefrom reached Kausambi,
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