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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
A war was imminent. However, at that time, a miracle occurred. The venerable Mahavira had arrived in the city of Kaushambi from Alabhiya and vibrations of peace and friendship were spreading everywhere. Queen Mrugavati knew that only Mahavira, an apostle of peace, could prevent the imminent war. She ordered the guard to open the gates of the city which had been shut to protect the people from attack. With her little son Udayara. she went to the holy assembly of Tirthankara Mahavira to listen to his teaching. King Pradyota was also present in the assembly with his queens. Tirthankara Mahavira's discourse, full of inspiring examples and anecdotes. aroused feelings of non-attachment and renunciation in the audience. He said, "O friends, fight with your own self. Defeat your internal enemies like anger and greed. Why fight with external enemies ? External fight is futile. He who conquers himself by himself will attain true happiness and spiritual welfare. A man who conquers nobody but himself is a greater victor than one who conquers thousands and thousands of valiant enemies. The right means of saving oneself from downfall is always to keep one's mind pure, fortified with courage and patience, and unsullied by passions and perverse desires so that one may not be defeated and degraded and may remain peaceful and unagitated."
Mahavira's teaching changed the hearts of many listeners who took the vow of asceticism. Queen Mrugavati too was overwhelmed with spiritual awareness. She expressed her wish, "With the permission of King Pradyota I would like to become a female ascetic under the leadership of Mahavira." The whole assembly was astounded that the Queen should seek King Pradyota's permission in the presence of so many people. Before the preaching he might not have accepted her wish. But After listening to the discourse the King Pradyota's feelings had also become pure and, whereas before the discourse he may not have accepted her wish, he now gave her his consent without any hesitation. Thereupon Queen Mrugavati said, "O King, from hereon consider my son Udayana as your own son. Kindly look after him. Be his guardian and well-wisher. Please train him to become a good and benevolent king."
King Chanda Pradyota of Ujjaini accepted the responsibility. He said, "O Queen, I shall consider Udayana as my own son. I shall take every care of him and train him in politics. Be free from all worries about your son and assume the life of a Jaina ascetic."
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