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86
KALPA SÚTRA.
under the constellation Uttara Phálguna, at a fortunate conjunction of the moon, assumed the garment of the gods”, and all alone, without a companion, and having been shaved, from a householder he became a houseless pilgrim. The adorable ascetic hero for one year and a month wore clothing, afterwards he went robelesst, and had no vessel but his hand. The adorable ascetic Mahávíra, for twelve years and full six months, entirely neglected his body, and laid aside all care of his person, and with whatever things he was brought in contact, whether gods, men, or other animals, whether pleasing or displeasing, he conducted himself with perfect patience and equanimity, and felt nothing dispirited by the wretchedness of his condition. The adorable ascetic Mahávíra was
* The Commentator says this was a robe given him by Indra; perhaps it was the small piece of cloth the Hindus never take off, called a Lungati, but it is clear that the Jains do not understand properly what it means, or do not wish to explain it. It might have meant he became a Digambara, had this not been opposed to what follows.
† Acheláe. The Commentator introduces a ridiculous story about a Brahman begging his garment, and Mahávíra's giving it him, as the cause of his being naked; he forgets also that he had explained Achelaka to mean with little clothing, instead of having none, so contrary to nature is this practice of the two chief Tirthankars, intended no doubt to shew their entire snperiority to all passion,
