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PARSVANATH AS SEEN IN MAHA-PURANA AND ...
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form, it is quite but natural. And he sets an example in the art of condensing.
Parsva Bhava
Parsvanatha's mother's name has been given in mahapurana as Brahmi (M.P. 73:75). Cavundaraya purana names her Brahmi Devi (C.P. 356).
According to Mahapurana Parsvanatha's birth took place after 83750 years of Neminatha Tirthankara's liberation, (M.P. 73:93). But Cavundaraya purana records it as 83550 years (C.P. 356). We do not find convincing answer for the difference of 200 years in these works. It leads us to think of possibility of a different tradition of Mahapurana available to Cavundaraya. At many places he differs from Mahapurana and such variations in case of name, place and period are clear indications to believe it. It is also clear that Cavundaraya is not conservative and does not blindly follow Mahapurana. He has often taken liberty to accept information from other sources.
Anandamuni who was born in Pranatakalpa took his next birth in Varanasi to Visvasena maharaja and Brahmi Mahadevi of Kasi. The child was named as Parsva. Mahapurana does not justify the name Parsva (M.P. 73:82). Cavundaraya purana describes that, as he was a shelter to the righteous deeds (Dharma) which was worshipped by all the three worlds (Triloka), he was named Parsva. Cavundaraya Purana justifies the name Parsva in its usual way. Cavundaraya though he was interested in condensing the details, whenever situation demands more information, he becomes liberal to give more information.
In the concluding stanzas (Stutipadyas) of Uttara-Purana Parsvanatha is praised for his qualities. They have been described elaboratly. "Oh Lord, at mountain meru, at the time of
