Tirthankar Mahavir

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

Page 80

inhabited by people. It was quite a solitary place. So Mahavira thought that it would be proper for and conducive to his meditation.
The villagers told Mahavira stories of calamities inflicted by Shulpani on them. They said, "The cruel and tormenting demi-god despises not only man but also the smell of their bodies. Anyone who stays in the temple during the night does not see the rising sun the next day. Shulpani kills travellers who stay in the temple overnight. Even Indra Sharma, the priest of the temple, always leaves the temple after the evening worshipping rites. You are delicate and handsome. We shall make arrangements for your nightstop elsewhere. Please accept our offer."
Mahavira, firm as
the rock, in the midst of upsarga of
Shulpani Yaksha
Mahavira replied, "O friends, I am fearless. I am not afraid of anyone, not even of death. Nor do I frighten anyone. I love all beings. I shall stay tonight at this temple. Kindly give me your consent."
On hearing Mahavira's words the villagers gave him their consent. Mahavira then stood in a corner of the temple and got fully absorbed in deep meditation
Although villagers and the priest had told Mahavira fearful stories of the tortures inflicted by Shulpani on the travellers who stopped at the