Tirthankar Mahavir

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

Page 54

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
UTTI
They gave up food and drink. Their minds were cool, calm and composed. Their hearts were filled with the feeling of universal love and compassion. They muttered continuously : Victory
to venerable Parshva'. Sitting or the seats of sacred grass, they left this mortal world while in ultra-pure meditation. They left behind them a happy and prosperous family. But the atmosphere of grief prevailed all around.
At the age of twenty eight Vardhamana made up his mind for renunciation. The bond of parental affection had already been removed. His spiritual practice of non-attachment had been going on for a long time even in his state as a householder. After renouncing the world, he wanted to follow that practice rigorously and vigorously. He approached his elder brother Nandivardhana. In royal families, the brothers are the worst enemies. They share the royal power and estate. One brother wishes the death of the other since if one is removed the other has the throne for himself. But with Vardhamana and his brother,
the case was quite different. They both loved each other greatly. Nandivardhana took every care to make Vardhamana happy. He was very sad when he came to know that his younger brother was preparing for renunciation. He approached him and said, "Vardhamana, I want to crown you. I desire to see you on the throne, I like to give you the kingdom. I would like to make you king of Kshatriyakunda."
Vardhaman asking
for elder brother Nandivardhan's consent
Vardhamana replied, "O Brother, I do not like boundaries that separate different kingdoms and different peoples. My kingdom is the kingdom of love and compassion. To conquer this kingdom I must renounce the world."
Nandivardhana was deeply shocked to hear Vardhamana's decision. He said, "O my dear Vardhamana, I understand your good thoughts and noble sentiments. I also know that the light which has descended on earth to enlighten the entire universe cannot be restricted to the palace for long. But the shock of our parent's death is still quite fresh. I could not bear another shock of separation from my beloved younger brother so soon. So I request you to postpone the renunciation for some time."
Prince Vardhamana humbly said, "O brother, you have rot to request me. It is your right to order me. You have earned that right through love and affection. Your wish is a command for me."
Grieved Nandivardhana said, "O brother, it is good of you. It behoves you. I want you to remain in the state of a householder for two more years.