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SHALIBHADRA /
In Jain literature and culture the legendary wealth of Shalibhadra has become a proverb — "Wealth like Shalibhadra". But the fact is that his sacrifice or renunciation is even more astonishing than his mundane riches, beautiful and delicate body and good fortune. A tender young man, who had never stepped in sun and never experienced the extremes of heat and cold, suddenly abandoned all comforts and indulged in austerities. So rigorous were his practices that within a few months his body became weak, fragile and skeletal to an extant that his own mother failed to recognize him. He was unique not only in terms of his wealth and luxury but also in detachment and yoga. To have such tremendous willpower, determination, forbearance, and tolerance is indeed astounding. Bhagavan Mahavir has praised him with the epithet Mahasatvashali (endowed with paramount strength).
Dhanna was Shalibhadra's sister's husband. He was also a very wise, clever, valourous and pious person of his age. The story of Dhanna was published in this series at No. 8. Now we bring the story of Shalibhadra to our readers.
The story has many meaningful lessons. The reader will be inspired to follow these on his own.
-Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Editor: Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Managing Editors : Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Translator: Surendra Bothara
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