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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
(Devananda) of the monthly half called Nandivardhana. At that time there was lava (a particular duration of time) called Arca, prana (a particular duration of time) called Muhurta, stoka (a particular duration of time) called Siddha. and karana (a particular duration of time) called Naga. A day deur night) has thirty muhurtas. The muhurta at the time was Sarvarthasiddha The moon was in conjuction with the constellation Svati.
On the night, during which the venerable Mahavira passed away, the eighteen confederate kings of Kashi and Koshala were observing the vow of paushadha. They said, "Since the internal light of intelligence is gone, let us make an illumination with the external light of lamps." The brilliant lamp of internal spiritual light enlightening the inner eyes of man was extinguished in front of the physical eyes. On account of the coming and going of gods the whole earth was illumined. Having overcome the terrible moments of delusion, attachment and grief, Indra became calm and composed. He said to everyone, "The venerable Mahavira died. Light lamps and arrange them in rows." The dark night shone brightly with innumerable rows of burning lamps. All Indras with their retinues had arrived there to take part in the funeral. Shakra Indra issued orders to make arrangements for the funeral ceremony. Gods brought the Goshirsha sandalwood and they made a pyre. They bathed the body in scented milky water, anointed it with harichandana sandal paste, clothed it in rich silken attire, bedecked it in all kinds of gold and diamond ornaments, and adorned its head with a golden crown studded with invaluable bright jewels. They respectfully lifted the body and placed it in the palanquin prepared by special gods. There were gods playing on divine musical instruments and showering flowers. Thus, the gods conducted Mahavira's funeral with great glory and eneration..
The Enlightenment of Gautamswami
Though Mahavira knew the exact time of his Nirvana (death), he had sent his prime ascetic disciple Gautama to another village to teach the Brahmana Devasharma, a resident of the village, the essence of spiritual living. Gautama enlightened Devasharma on the essence of religion, self-restraint, self-culture and spiritual evolution within a short period of time. Tirthankara Mahavira had sent Gautama away from him at the time of his final departure because he knew that Gautama would not be able to bear the sight of his death. Gautama ha wanted to return immediately to Pavapuri after he had taught Devasharma, but he had to spend the night there because it was getting dark.
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