Tirthankar Mahavir

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

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Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
like a horse. . Other players, one by one, have to jump over his back, putting their two hands on his back for support. One who cannot jump and falls down or tumbles down then becomes the 'horse'. One who loses has to allow the winner to sit on his back and carry him a certain distance.
The god assumed the form of a boy. He went to where Vardhaman and his friends were playing the game. He also joined them in the game. He purposely
fell over and became a 'horse'. Prince Vardhamana started to jump over his back. Just when Vardhamana was over his back, the 'boy' stood up straight and the Vardhmana was then on his shoulder.
The defeat of the goblin
To the surprise of other boys, that boy suddenly turned into a giant and a horrible goblin. He kept jumping and dancing and kept growing taller. He became as tall as huge palm-tree. He shook his head and long thick Jishevelled hair emerged. He opened his eyes to display terrifying eye-balls with an appearance of red burning charcoals. He shouted in loud shrieks which frightened Varchmana's friends. The children were frightened out of their wits and were shocked. They all fled from the playground crying out loudly and shouting for help.
What was to happen to Vardhamana sitting on the shoulder of the giant goblin ? Nails of the goblin were like the blade of a spade. His entire body was covered with long black hair just like that of a wild bear. Snakes were drapped rourd his neck and their heads dangling making hissing sounds. His long red tongue was hanging out from his mouth. His legs were as big and thick as pillars. He was still moving about and was growing taller all the time.
The goblin, then started running on the deserted road, carrying Vardhamana on his shoulder. There was no one else around. Prince Vardhamana was sitting calmly on the goblin's shoulder. He was quiet and
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