Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 68

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Acharya Shri Kailassagarsunl Gyanmandir
His smiling features were filled
with steady determination.
LEAVING the CITY
HE TENTH DAS OF KARTIKA with winter approaching, was the day chosen for Vardhamana's renunciation. Turning his back on his family and home, he walked with firm steps across the threshold of his palace and out into the waiting world.
His brother Nandivardhana, rather than allowing himself to be overwhelmed
with sorrow, had prepared a festival for the occasion. He wanted the day to be a joyful one that would be commemorated for bringing great blessings and good fortune. The city was decorated abundantly for the occasion. From balconies hung flags and across the streets were festooned brightly colored banners. Over archways were strung garlands and mange leaves. The people, bathed and anointed with sandalwood and aromatic oils, flooded onto the streets in festive mood, dressed in fine silks and jeweled turbans
As he emerged from the palace, Vardhamana was taken by a group of attendants for his final ceremonial bath. Holy waters from the sacred rivers, carried in golden pots and mixed with aromatic herbs, were poured upon him, and caring hands rubbed his body with oils and sandalwood. Then he was dressed in precious cloth with jewels and ornaments for his procession through the streets of the city.
He was led onto the Moonlight palanquin, kept only for special occasions, whose prow was in the shape of a swan. On all sides pressed the waiting crowds, eager for a last glimpse of their beloved prince.
"The vehicle was hoisted aloft by powerful servants and carried above the heads of the onlookers, as slowly the procession wound its way through the city. Everywhere uplifted faces turned to catch a last compassionate gaze of their hero, whose smiling features shone with beauty and peace, and were filled with steady determination to undertake his great renunciation.
The parade was preceded by elephants decked with finery, horse-drawn chariots ornamented with
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