Tirthankar Mahavir

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

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Casting off the serpert by feaness Prince Vardhaman
is growing in the pasture and the cows are yielding more milk. This is surprising to us."
The wood dwellers, too, singing and dancing from their homes, said: "O Lord, the seasons have remained the same and the mango trees have not changed. However, the mangoes on the tree are countless and inexhaustible. The creepers and trees have bent under the weight of the flowers and fruit. There is astanishing growth of flowers and fruit."
Citizens, struck with wonder, arrived and reported, "O Lord, this year is unprecedented and unique in terms of prosperity. No year in the past has been so prosperous and happy. The number of deaths this year is low and not a single untimely death has been recorded. And emotions of joy, happiness, serenity and religious zeal are being experienced for no apparent reason."
King Siddhartha honoured his relatives who had come to his home to participate in the ten-day long celebrations. They all gathered for dinner and on that particular occasion, Siddhartha honoured them all by offering them beautiful flowers, expensive garments, garlands and ornaments. He disclosed his feelings to them : "O dear kinsmen and members of family, such wonderful pleasing events have occurred, from the very day the Soul of this child entered the womb of Trishala and our wealth has grown and our joy has been increasing,"
Trishala said in her sonorous voice : "Uniquely good and auspicious thoughts and sentiments have occurred in my mind and heart for so many days now. Let us give him the name 'Vardhman' (meaning one who brings prosperity) to this child, endowed with such fine qualities."
All the family members and citizens present declared their consent, saying together, "This is the proper name that befits him."
Vardhman was growing up. As a young boy, he displayed qualities of fearlessness and
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