Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 45

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reverted back to the form of the small boy, rolling away from Vardhamana in fear. He bowed before his conqueror and begged for mercy.
"Please don't hurt me any more. I realize that you are a great and courageous person, more powerful than anyone could imagine. I misunderstood you and came to test you. Now I have learned my lesson and understood the truth about you. Please forgive me for being so jealous and hateful."
Vardhamana replied. "My punishment was in order to teach you. Now that you have learned the error of your ways and are sorry for your behavior, there is no need for you to be punished any more. Please go back to your place in heaven and do not offend again
Gratefully the god backed away with his hands folded in prayer, and returned to Indra's court. There he told all the gods of his experiences, and of how brave, strong and merciful Vardhamana was. His story spread throughout the higher realms, and with it Vardhamana's fame. All proclaimed his glories and among the gods he was named Vira, which means "hero." From this time he came to be known as Mahavira, which means "great hero."