Mahavira His Life And Teachings

Author(s): Saraswati Raghavachari
Publisher: Jain Sastu Sahitya

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foul either to the eye or the ear was allowed to reach him.
Mahavira took active part in all the sports which were commonly indulged in by the children of his age.
Undoubtedly, he was the acknowledged leader of all the young boys who lived in the neighbourhood of the palace of King Siddhartha. He led them for sports into the huge gardens attached to the king's palace; and at some other times, he led them away into the surrounding grounds where they generally played to their heart's content.
An incident which happened at this time illustrates his courage and strength which brought him the title of VIRA.
One day, while he was playing about in the company of the other boys, a demon - like elephant ran amok in the street. All the other boys shrieked in terror and took to thir heels calling Mahavira to follow them at once. But Mahavira courageously encountered the elephant, and having soon brought it under control, began to ride on its back with the triumphant aspect of a victor.
Such was Mahavira in his boy-hood days.