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enlightenment on his own and
started meditating on the very spot that he stood. He became so immersed in his meditation that he lost track of time and could not remember how long he had stood there. He stood in that very spot for so long that creepers began to grow around his feet.
A year passed with Bahubali standing in that posture of meditation. Yet, he did not gain enlightment How could he gain it without shedding his ego? At last. Lord Rishabhadev sent Brahmi
and Sundari bring him to the right path. They came to the place where Bahubali was meditating. Seeing their mighty brother standing like a rock. they calmly told him, "You cannot get enlightenment while sitting on elephant. You need to get off the elephant." As their familiar voices reached Bahubali's ears, he opened his eyes in amazement and looked around but did not find himself on an elephant. He then realized that the elephant they were referring to was his ego. He immediately dissolved his ego and decided to go to Lord Rishabhadev and was ready to bow to his ninety-eight brothers.
During his long penance, he had overcome all other defiling passions except ego which still remained between him and enlightenment. Now his ego was dissolved and humbleness prevailed in its place. Therefore, as he took the first step towards the Lord he achieved full enlightenment and became omniscient.
