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Lord Mahavira
versions reflect the positions of two distinct and virtually irreconcilable traditions within Jainism: that of the Digambaras (Sky-clad) and that of the Svetâmbaras (White (cotton]clad). This split among the followers of the Jina may have originated with the southward flight of one portion of the previously unified Jaina community in the face of a disastrous famine, circa 300 B.C.
Some sources suggest that a large group of migrants was led by the famous âcârya Bhadrabâhu into what is now Karnataka State (Mysore), where they resided for some twelve years. It is further held that Bhadrabâhu himself passed away before any return was possible, but that his followers did make their way back to Pâtaliputra (modern Patna in Bihar State), only to discover that an “official” recension of the sacred texts had been prepared in their absence. Many points of this recension, codified under the leadership of Sthulabhadra, were unacceptable to the recently returned monks; even more significantly, the “northerners” had taken up certain habits, especially the use of clothing, which the southern group found intolerable. Unable to effect any alterations either with regard to the contested doctrinal issues or to the "lax" conduct of Sthulabhadra's followers, this group (later called Digambaras) not only declared the entire canon heretical and invalid, but proclaimed themselves the only "true" Jainas. Eventually they wrote their own puranas (legends), giving a history of Mahâvîra which often contradicted that found in the texts possessed by the other faction, the Svetâmbaras. Our story will attempt to reflect both versions, and to bring into focus the points of contention from which such important religious and social ramifications have developed. Vardhamana Mahâvîra Legends Connected with His Birth
The word Mahâvîra, great hero, is an epithet, not the given name of the man to whom it is applied; but the universality of its application has rendered it functionally equivalent to a personal name. Tradition has it that this Jina-to-be was born in 599 B.C. at Kundagrâma, a large city in the kingdom of Vaisâli (near modern Patna).? His father was one Siddhartha, a warrior (ksatriya) chieftain of the Jñâtr clan; his mother, Trisalâ, was the sister of the Vaisali ruler Cetaka.
