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Lord Mahavira both traditions provide commentaries; these diverge along lines generally corresponding to those laid down in the controversy over the saint's vows in utero. Svetâmbaras contend that the young man fulfilled all duties of the householder: that he married the princess Yasodâ, fathered one daughter called Priyadarsanâ20 and, as mentioned above, continued in this role until both his parents died. The Digambaras, on the other hand, believe that Mahavîra remained a bachelor throughout his life (although they do not hold that this is a prerequisite to the attainment of Jinahood). In general, their version stresses his disinclination for worldly affairs from an early age.
Both traditions agree that when Mahâvîra was thirty years of age certain gods appeared and urged him to renounce the worid; only thus could he fully develop the predispositions towards becoming a Tirthankara that had been fostered during so many previous lives. This encouragement of the Jina-to-be is customarily performed by a particular type of god called Laukântika, worldender; the designation refers to the fact that such beings are in their last birth but one (that is, that they will take human form and achieve moksa, release, in the very next lifetime).21 Their words to Mahâvîra:
Victory, victory to thee, gladdener of the world! Victory, victory to thee, fortunate one! Luck to thee, bull of the best ksatriyas! Awake, reverend lord of the world! Establish the dharmatirtha (teaching of the holy path) for the sake of every living being in the entire universe; it will bring supreme benefit to all!22
The Great Renunciation
Mahâvîra's renunciation is made much of in the texts; indeed, such an act engenders widespread glorification of the renunciant in Jaina communities even today. One reads that he was adorned with garlands by the gods, then carried on a palanquin in magnificent procession through the city and beyond it to a large park. There, accompanied by a great retinue, he descended from his seat and, beneath a holy asoka tree, rençunced all possessions. According to the Digambaras he rernoved his clothing and garlandornaments and then, following the ancient tradition, pulled out his hair by hand; this final act indicates both an end of concern for the body and willingness to face pain for the sake of the goal.
