Lord Mahavira Vol 01

Author(s): S C Rampuria
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati Institute

Page 24

Vardhamana Initiated Himself as a Monk
15 (originated) by descending and ascending gods and goddesses (of the four orders of) Bhavanapatis, Vyantaras, Gyotishkas, and Vimânavâsins; and in the conflux of gods the bustle of gods amounted to confusion5. (7)
In that night, &c., the gods and goddesses rained down one great shower of nectar, sandal powder, flowers, gold, and pearlsó. (8)
In that night the gods and goddesses (of the abovementioned four orders) performed the customary ceremonies of auspiciousness and honour, and his anointment as a Tîrtankara. (9)
Upwards from the time when the Venerable Mahâvira was placed in the womb of the Kshatriyâni Trisalâ, that family's (treasure) of gold, silver, riches, corn, jewels, pearls, shells, precious stones, and corals increased.? (10) When the parents of the Venerable Ascetic Mahavira had become aware of this, after the lapse of the tenth day, and the performance of the purification, they prepared much food, drink, sweetmeats, and spices; and having invited a host of friends, near and remote relatives, they distributed, portioned out, bestowed (the above-mentioned materials) to Sramanas, Brâhmanas, paupers, beggars), eunuchs, &c., and distributed gifts to those who wanted to make presents; then they gave a dinner to the host of friends, near and remote relatives, and after dinner they announced the name (of the child) to their guests: (11) 'Since the prince was placed in the womb of the Kshatriyânî Trisalâ, this family's (treasure) of gold, silver, riches, corn, jewels, pearls, shells, precious stones, and corals increased; therefore the prince shall be called Vardhamâna (i.e. the Increasing).' (12)
The Venerable Ascetic Mahâvirâ was attended by five nurses: a wet-nurse, anurse to clean him, one to dress him, one to play with him, one to carry him; being transferred from the lap of one nurse to that of another, he grew up on that beautiful ground, paved with mosaic of precious stones, like a Kampakao tree growing in the glen of a mountain. (13)
Then the Venerable Ascetic Mahâvira, after his intellect had developed and the childhood had passed away, lived in the enjoyment of the allowed, noble, fivefold joys and pleasures: (consisting in) sound, touch, taste, colour, and smellto. (14)