Tirthankar Mahavir

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

Page 55

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
Respecting elder brother's wish Vardhamana changed his mind decided to spend two more years in the state of a householder. The atmosphere of the palace changed. The palace turned into a hermitage. He lived the life of an ascetic even in the palace. He spent much of his time in meditation in a secluded part of the big palace. He spread the glory of renunciation while living amidst worldly enjoyments. He practised severe spiritual discipline of non-attachment even amidst royal luxuries.
Citizens think : "How extraordinary brotherly love !"
Gods' Request to Vardhamana to Establish the Holy Path leading to Liberation
Though Vardhamana lived in the palace, his mind was set on renunciation and spiritual practice.
When Vardhamana had descended into the womb of Trishala, the latter had the vision of fourteen auspicious dreams. Again, his body was marked with one thousand eight auspicious signs. Taking into account auspicious dreams and signs, everyone thought that he would become a universal ruler in future. He would conquer many kingdoms. His victorious flag would flutter over the entire earth. Tributary kings of various countries would pay tributes of money, jewellery, etc. to him. The emperors and kings thought that if they established friendly relation with such a powerful would-be universal ruler,