Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 36

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyan mandir
He gently lifted the baby and carried him into the heavens.
the LORD of HEAVEN REJOICES
NDRA BOWED LOW BEFORE MOTHER AND CHILD So great was his happiness at this birth that he wanted to take the child at once to Mount Meru, the heart of the heavenly kingdom, where all the gods and goddesses could honor him properly. Before he could think of taking the child from his mother's lap he had to pacify her--for what mother
would release her little baby so soon after his birth? Indra cast her into a deep and dreamless sleep so she would not be aware of what was happening.
In his ecstasy Indra's limitless mystic powers shone forth and he divided himself into five separate forms, each offering their services. In this way Indra could more fully express his love and joy to the child. In ene form he gently lifted the baby and carried him into the heavens, while in two others he flew on either side fanning him, while a fourth Indra bore aloft a canopy to shade the child and a fifth Indra led the way to Mount Meru, carrying before him his mighty thunderbolt.
On the summit of the mountain, amid heavenly pleasure gardens, a throng of divine worshipers awaited the child. The air was thick with their descending airplanes, coming in from all corners of the universe. They came with their wives, laden with gifts, and great was the rejoicing on that occasion.
Ind t iplied into five separate forms: In one forme
carried the baby, while two others flew on either side, t fourth bore alojta canopy and a fifth led the way.