Tirthankar Mahavir

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

Page 52

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
their wish known to others. Many kings had arrived to Kshatriyakunda to take part in Prince Vardhamana's birth-day celebrations. Among them was Samaravira, the king of Vasantapura. He saw Vardhamana. He was very much impressed by his appearance and conduct. He thought he was an excellent match for his daughter. He decided to offer his daughter's hand to Vardhamana. He conveyed his offer to Siddhartha through a messenger. On hearing the words of the messanger Siddhartha and Trishala became very happy. They persuaded Vardhamana to accept the offer. Vardhamana wanted to be free from attachment. However, he loved his parents and elder brother and could not disappoint them.. He was humble and obedient. He respected them and their words. What could he do before the pressing words of Mother Trishala to whom he was very devoted ?
Vardhamana understood and respected his mother's sentiments. He complied with her wish. He was married to Yashoda, daughter of Samaravira. Their married life was very happy. It was as fragrant and blooming as jasmine flowers. Though Vardhamana lived a householder's life with his beloved wife Yashoda and dear daughter Priyadarshana, his mind was totally away from the world around. He had not the slightest interest in worldly pleasures or dealings. Inspite
of living with royal luxuries, he was not consumed or addicted to the sensual pleasures in the same way as a lotus growing in water remains untouched by it. Yashoda understood that he was not at peace living a life of a householder. She knew that his mind found no peace in the worldly life. She thought that if renunciation could make his mind peaceful and if by his renunciation the living beings of the world were to benefit greatly, then it would be her duty to allow him and help him renounce the world. She did not pay any heed to her personal happiness. She was not selfish. She desired welfare of all. She was not just an ordinary petty woman. She was a great woman. She had recognised her husband's feeling of nonattachment. Blessed you were, O Yashoda.
Vardhamana loved everyone and they all loved Vardhamana. In his family, love and affection were ever growing. The family, which had seven members, namely, king Siddhartha, queen Trishala, elder brother Nandivardhana, his wife Jyeshtha, Vardhamana, his wife Yashoda and daughter Priyadarshana, was living peacefully and happily. In the evening all gathered together. Vardhamana explained secrets of Law or Religion. After that, devotional dancing, singing and music charged the entire atmosphere with fervent spiritual sentiment. The whole family enjoyed those philosophical-religious discourses and devotional performances.