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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
The Ashoka tree is twelve times the height of a tirthankara. On it gods reproduce a holy tree under which a particular tirthankara attained pure knowledge. Tirthankara Mahavira had attained pure knowledge under a teak tree. So the gods reproduced a teak tree as a holy tree on the Ashoka tree.
Having entered the holy assembly hall, a tirthankara circumambulates thrice the Ashoka tree on which the holy tree is reproduced. Then he takes his seat on a throne facing the east, and delivers his first sermon to the audience of the three worlds. The remaining three thrones are occupied by yogic bodies identical to the actual body of the tirthankara. These yogic bodies are created by the tirthankara with his supernatural yogic powers and gods, goddesses, humans, animals and birds all feel that the tirthankara himself is delivering the sermon in front of them.
In such a splendid and holy assembly hall Tirthankara Mahavira occupied his high seat and delivered his sermon on non-violence, self-restraint and renunciation to an audience which consisted only of gods. However, none of the gods accepted the vow of complete renunciation to became an ascetic. The reason for this is that gods are always incapable of complete renunciation and ascetic life. Thus the first sermon of Mahavira was not successful. The religious books consider it to be a accheru (miracle).
After delivering his first sermon the venerable Mahavira started his journey towards the city of Apapa.
From Doubt to Knowledge of the Truth
In the city of Apapa, a wealthy Brahmana called Somila Arya had arranged Vedic sacrifice on grand scale. He had invited many pundits from different parts of India. The eleven renowned pundits of that time had arrived to conduct the sacrificial rites. They were great scholars and such experts in reciting Vedic verses and in conducting Vedic ritualsthat even the gods had to present themselves during their recitals. Among these great pundits were three brothers - Indrabhuti, Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti. They were eminent scholars and well-versed in the fourteen branches of learning. Each of the them was accompanied by his five hundred pupils. In addition other pundits like Vyakta, Sudharma, Mandita, Mauryaputra, Akampita Achalabharata, Metarya, Prabhasa, were also present along with their pupils.
Thus, Vedic sacrifice began in the presence of those eleven great pundits who were well-versed in the Vedas, adept in all sciences and expert in the
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