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Prince Vardhman said, "Forgive him; forgiveness is a virtue of the brave and strong."
The Deva was allowed to go. As he was returning to his home, the Deva said, "You are really courageous and brave."
From that time onwards Vardhman became known as Mahavir, which means "the great warrior."
At the age of thirty, Mahavir left his home to become a monk.
For twelve and a half years, he endured hardships and performed penances to achieve enlightenment. He travelled the land on foot. He remained barefoot and without clothes. During these twelve and a half years Mahavir took food on 349 days only. Even in those 349 days he ate only once a day. At the end of these twelve and a half years Mahavir obtained Kevalagnan, or total enlightenment.
For nearly thirty years after that, Bhagvan Mahavir travelled all over the country. He taught that man must have reverence for all life, and do as little harm as possible during his life on earth. He taught the three-fold path of non-violence, restraint and penance (Ahimsa,
am and Tapa) to achieve happiness. His chief disciples, or Gandharas, compiled the Jain scriptures from his teachings.
At the age of 72 his life on earth ended, and he went to "moksha".
Abhaybhai finished the story. Ajay wanted to know more about Bhagvan Mahavir's life. Abhaybhai promised to tell them more stories later on.
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