Tirthankar Mahavir

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Page 41

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
The arrival of a tirthankara enlightened the whole universe and so Gods rushed to Mom Meru. Some were there on the command of Shakra Indra, some came out of curiosity and some came because of their devotion. Some were inspired to come by friends and wives. Some plaved musical instruments while others rang bells. The number of gods arriving in their celestial was so large chariots that the sky was filled with them. The entire universe was filled with the din of these chariots and ringing of bells. Innumerable gods and sixty-three Lords of Gods arrived at Mount Meru from their respective dwellings. It is a traditional practice that after the birth the bathing rites of all tirthankaras are celebrated with great rejoicing and splendour on Mount Meru. Shakra who assumes five bodied carries tirthankars to Mt. Meru adorned with beautiful heavenly pleasure garden Nandanavana as also with splendid temples of tirthankaras.
Indra Thinks; Mt. Meru Quakes
Such joy is always delightful and there was rejoicing and happiness everywhere in the Mahavideha region. Mt Meru, four miles high, was situated in the Mahavidena region and on this occasion, was submerged in celebratory activity. On the huge and high mountain, there was a heavenly garden named Nandanavana. In the garden, the beauty of nature was there for all to see - there were the most beautiful and colourful flowers, with sweet fragrance. On the mountain, the temples of tirthankaras were adorned with floral bouquets and ornaments, with an unprecedented splendor. The birth of a tirthankara took place on earth however all three
worlds were exultant. The Gods would not lose the opportunity to celebrate such an auspicious event. For the Gods, Goddesses and Lords, it was an eternal tradition to celebrate the after birth bathing ritual of a tirthankar, with the necessary pomp.
On the auspicious occasion of Vardhamana's birth, sixtyfour Lords of Gods, with their wives and numerous Gods and Goddesses gathered. The entire ‘upper' world was immersed in
a sea of joy and celebration. Shakra Indra took the tirthankara to a huge rock, in the Panduka woods, situated on the south facing, and sat atop the rock, looking east.
Gold and silver gem studded pitchers were placed there, Mutnayak
containing sacred water, mixed with earth from the most Mahavitswami
holy of places and sweet smelling herbs from holy rivers Agam Mandir Surat
and oceans. The ten Lords of the Vaimanika gods, twenty
Lords of Bhavanpati gods, the thirty-two Lords of the Vyantara gods and the two Lords of the Jyotishka gods held these majestic pitchers, eagerly awaiting the auspicious moment for