Some Historical Jaina Kings and Heros

Author(s): Kamtaprasad Jain
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

Page 21

the boys fled this way, and that, but Prince Vardhamana remained calm and unmoved. In no time He subdued the enraged cobra and relieved his companions of their fear and panic. For this display of exceptional bravery, he earned the name of "Mahavira" (Great Hero).
At the early age of eight years, “Mahavira" began to observe the vows, Ahimsa and the rest and never felt attracted to the pleasures of the world. His father wanted him to marry, but the pure and chaste-hearted Mahavira could not agree to the proposal. He pointed out the pitiable and miserable conditions of the world. How could he enjoy life, when others were suffering? Men were ill-treated and womanhood was thought of only as a means af sensual gratification. They were despised. The condition of the animals was more pitiable. They were tortured and killed for food and sacrifice. Suffering and misery was the dominant note of the age. Mahavira could not tolerate all this misery. He made up his mind to promote the good of his own soul and all the sufiering world as well. His was a great sacrifice indeed. He spurned the princely life and took pleasure only in the sky-clad attire of a Jaina saint.
He was thirty years of age, when he renounced the world and came to be known as "Nirgrantha