Sthaviravali

Author(s): Ratnaprabhvijay
Publisher: Jain Granth Prakashak Sabha

Page 91

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near the
acquiring 19 Moksha, Final Liberation, arrived mountain for a pilgrimage there.
Out of these hermits, five hundred hermits observing one day's fasting, and eating green roots and fresh vegetables on the break-fast-day, reached the first # Mékhalā, slope of the mountain. The second batch of five hundred hermits, observing two-day's fasting and eating dry roots on the break-fast-day reached the second slope. And the third batch of five hundred hermits observing three day's fasting and eating dry moss only on the break-fast-day reached the third slope of the mountain. Being unable to ascend higher, the three parties stopped
respectively at the first second and the third slope of the : mountain.
On seeing Gañadhara Mahārāja Indrabhūti Gautama with a lustrous gold-coloured appearance and plump body, going quickly up the mountain, they said amongst themselves“ We are thin-bodied still we cannot go further. How will this Mupi with bulky body go up the mountain ?"
While they were talking thus, Gaņadbara Mahārāja Indrabhūti Gautama swiftly went up the mountain and became invisible in a moment like a god. Then they said amongst themselves that this great sage possesses extraordinary supernatural powers, so when he returns here we shall all become his pupils. With this firm determination in their mind, the hermits respectfully kept waiting with close attention for his return there, as for the arrival of a dear relative,
Diksha of Fifteen Hundred Hermits.
The hermits who were waiting there, saw Gañadbara Mahārāja Indrabhūti Gautama coming down from the great mountain. As soon as he approached them, they bowed down before him and requested him “O rigorous devotee ! O great Souli . We all of us are desirous of becoming your disciples,