Mahavira and his Philosophy of Life

Author(s): Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Jain Vidya Samsthan

Page 24

Siddhāratha on knowing these dreams predicted that Trišalā will give birth to a Tirthankara and consequently after completing nine months, seven days and twelve hours, Tirthankara Mahāvira was born on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Caitra, i.e. on Monday, the 27th March 598 B.C. at Kundalapura in Bihar, as has been mentioned above. Since with the birth of Mahāvira, prosperity increased, King Siddhāratha called his son, Vardhamāna'. Because of his Jňátr clan he was known as Uñátrputra. Simply by seeing Vardhamāna, the philosophical doubts of Sanjaya and Vijaya Munis were resolved. So he was given the name 'Sanmati' by the Munis. Because of controlling and pacifying an amuck elephant, the people of Kundalapura addressed him by the name 'Ativira'. By seeing the poisonous cobra, Vardhamana fearlessly played with it so the Sangama deva who assumed the form of a cobra, bestowed on him the honour of being 'Mahāvira'. In the Buddhist text, he is referred to as the Niggantha Nataputta. Gradually Mahāvira attained adulthood. In spite of this, worldly pleasures did not attract him. But his parents were desirous of marrying him with Yaśodhā, the daughter of Jitasatru, the King of Kalinga. Despite this, he exhibited aversion to mundane desires. His parents could not prevail upon him. In consequence, Mahāvira led a celibate life. He became reflective. He finds that all the things of the world are transitory. Birth accompanies death. Youth is tied up with senility. Wealth and prosperity may disappear at any time and the body may fall victim to various kinds of ills and diseases. Thus impermanence of the state of things stares us in the face. Whatever form is born must necessarily perish. Attachment to ever transforming
Mahavira and his Philosophy of Life