Path of Arhat

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: Sohanlal Smarak Parshwanath Shodhpitha Varanasi

Page 44

Mahavira: A Non-violent Revolutionary
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His father was Siddhartha and mother was Triśala, the sister of Vaisalt king Ceṭaka. His parents were the followers of 23rd Tirthankara Parśva. 'Śvetāmbaras' (one of the dominant Jaina sects) believed that Mahavira was first conceived in the womb of one Devananda, a Brahmin lady. The embryo was later transferred to the womb of 'Triśala' as the gods thought that Tirthankaras were not born in Brahmin families. 'Digambaras' (another dominant Jaina sect) do not subscribe to this story of transfer of embryo. The story as to what the 'gods' thought about the eligibility of a Brahmin family to give birth to a Tirthankara is undoubtedly jingoistic and not warranted by the basic principles of Jainism, and mission of equality which the lord himself carried during his life time. But the possibility of the transfer of foetus by some surgical operation cannot be ruled out. It may be noted in this connection that Bhagavati-sutra, the 5th añga of Jaina scripture containing a vivid picture of the life and work of Mahavira contains a story that after Mahavira became famous as an impressive preacher and masses were flocking to have his 'Darśana', a Brahmin couple named Devananda and Rṣabhadatta came to see him. On seeing Mahāvīra, Devananda was overwhelmed by motherly emotions for him and milk began to flow from her breasts. When Gautama, the chief disciple, saw this and asked the master the reason for this state of Devananda, the Master replied that this was because Devananda was his real mother. However, 'Bhagavatisūtra' does not contain the story about the change of embryo. It is therefore reasonable to infer that Mahavira might have been adopted by the Kṣatriya family of Siddhartha and Trisala, This controversy about the birth is not of any importance. What is of real importance, is the life and work of this great soul.
Socio-political Conditions
Before narrating some significant incidents of his life, it would be proper to make a brief reference to the social, economic and political conditions prevailing in India at the time