Dharma Shiksha - Class 17

Jai Jinendra everyone!

In our last Dharma Class, instead of moving ahead with the Samayik Paths, we thought of taking a break to tell the little ones the life story of one of the GREATEST HEROES of all time – our one and only Shaasan Nayak Bhagwan Shri Mahavir Swami Ji.

His story is the story of unimaginable courage, kindness, love and wisdom. It inspires us to be compassionate and forgiving no matter what circumstances we face in life.

With Diwali just around the corner which we Jains celebrate as Bhagwan’s Nirvaan Diwas, we wanted to familiarize the kids with who our 24^th Tirthankar actually was and why His extraordinary life still remains the biggest source of inspiration for Jains around the world.

Boliye Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir Swami Ki Jai!

Bhagwan Mahavir Swami - Janam Kalyanak

Long, long ago, in the peaceful land of Kundalpur, there lived a kind and noble queen named Mata Trishla and her wise husband, King Siddharth. One night, as Mata Trishla slept, she had fourteen beautiful dreams —

1.      A mighty white elephant with four tusks — a sign of strength, purity, and greatness.

2.     A beautiful white bull — full of peace and gentleness.

3.     A magnificent lion — brave, powerful, and fearless.

4.     The Goddess Lakshmi, seated on a lotus — a promise of prosperity and wisdom.

5.     A garland of fragrant flowers — symbol of joy, love, and purity.

6.     A shining full moon — spreading calmness and light everywhere.

7.     The glowing sun — bright, warm, and full of energy.

8.     A fluttering flag on a golden staff — victory and honor.

9.     A silver urn filled with water — abundance and purity.

10.  A beautiful lotus pond — calm, peaceful, and filled with grace.

11.   An ocean of milk — symbolizing purity and serenity.

12.  A celestial palace — sign of divinity and greatness.

13.  A shining throne — representing wisdom and leadership.

14.  A blazing fire without smoke — pure knowledge and truth

When Mata Trishla woke up, her heart was filled with wonder. 🌸 She shared her dreams with King Siddharth, and together they called the royal astrologers. The wise men smiled and said—

“Maharaj, these are no ordinary dreams! They mean that a great and divine soul has entered the queen’s womb — a future Tirthankar, who will show the world the path of truth and peace.”

From that very day, something wonderful began to happen. 🌟 The kingdom seemed happier, crops grew better, and King Siddharth’s wealth increased day by day. That is why the royal couple decided to name their divine child Vardhman, meaning ‘One who brings growth and prosperity.’ 

Inside His mother’s womb, baby Vardhman was already full of compassion. He thought lovingly,

“I must not cause my mother any pain. I’ll stay perfectly still so she feels no discomfort.”

But when Mata Trishla noticed her baby wasn’t moving, she grew anxious and began to worry.

“Oh no! Why is my baby so quiet? Is something wrong?”

Sensing His mother’s sorrow, baby Vardhman gently began to move again — to comfort her and ease her heart.

That moment, He understood how deeply His parents loved Him. So He made a silent promise:

“I will take Deeksha only after my parents have completed their lives. I will never let them feel sadness because of me.”

Finally, the divine day arrived — the day Bhagwan Mahavir Swami was born!The moment He came into the world, a brilliant light spread across the entire Lok (universe). Even the souls in Narak felt a moment of peace and happiness they had never known before.

Devs, Devis, Indras, and Indranis all came together in joy to celebrate the Janma Mahotsav — the birth festival of this extraordinary soul. They carried baby Vardhman gently to the sacred Meru Parvat for a Divine Abhishek (holy bath).

Just as they were about to begin, Indra got a little worried…

“Oh dear… what if the baby feels uneasy when so much water is poured on Him?”

But little Vardhman smiled softly and stretched out His tiny toe — and at His gentle touch, the great Meru Parvat trembled! Everyone gasped in awe. Indra bowed down realizing --

“This is no ordinary child. He is the future Tirthankar!”

With great devotion, the Abhishek was performed with heavenly waters, music and joy. After the ceremony, baby Vardhman was lovingly returned to Mata Trishla.

Bhagwan’s Early Childhood

By the time Vardhman was eight years old, everyone in Kundalpur already knew He was no ordinary child. He was smart, kind, and brave beyond words! 🦁

One sunny afternoon, He was out playing a game called “Sankuli” with His friends. In this game, all the kids had to run to a big tree, and whoever touched it first would be the winner! 🌳

At the same time, high above in Devlok, Indra was smiling proudly.

“Look at young Vardhman. Even as a child, he is more fearless and wise than us Devs.” 🌟

But one curious Dev wasn’t convinced.

“Fearless? Like us? But he’s just a child! How can he be that brave?” 🤔

So, to test Vardhman’s courage, the Dev decided to go down to the place where Vardhman was playing with His friends. He took the form of a giant, scary snake 🐍 — its scales glittering, eyes glowing, tongue hissing.

When the kids saw the snake slithering toward them, they screamed and ran in fright!

But not Vardhman! He stood calm as ever, like a peaceful mountain.

“Don’t be afraid. No one will be harmed.”

He walked right up to the enormous snake, gently caught it by its tail, and placed it aside — as easily as if He were moving a stick! 💪

The children gasped.

“Wow, Vardhman! You’re the bravest of all!” 🌟

The Dev, still disguised, was a bit amazed too.

“Hmm… that didn’t work. Let’s see if he passes my next test!”

So he slithered away and returned again — this time, disguised as one of Vardhman’s friends! 👦

The kids decided to play a new game.

“Let’s climb that big tree! Whoever reaches the top first is the winner!” 🌳

Of course, Vardhman was swift and strong — He reached the top first! All the children cheered…

“Vardhman wins again!”

As a prize, each friend gave Him a piggyback ride. 🐎 One by one, they carried Him around, laughing and playing.

Finally, it was the Dev’s turn (still pretending to be a kid). But as soon as Vardhman climbed onto his back, something strange began to happen...

The boy’s body started to grow and twist, his voice became deep and scary, and in a flash — he turned into a huge, roaring monster! 👹

The children screamed and scattered.

“Run! It’s a demon!”

But Vardhman didn’t move an inch. His eyes were calm and fearless.

“I know who you are,” He thought to himself. “You’re not a monster — you’re a Dev in disguise.”

Then, He gently punched the monster’s back and the Dev immediately transformed back into his true form — apologizing and humbled.

The Dev bowed down before young Vardhman. 🙏 

“Forgive me, great one. You truly are fearless — braver than all the Devs in Dev Lok.”

Bhagwan Mahavir’s Big Decision

As Vardhman grew older, He started becoming detached from worldly pleasures.  

While other princes enjoyed royal feasts, games, and jewels, Vardhman preferred quiet moments — meditation, kindness, and reflection.

One day, His father noticed this and grew worried.

“My son is so gentle and wise, but he’s losing interest in palace life. What if one day he leaves everything and takes Deeksha? I want him to enjoy life and have a family.”

So the king called Vardhman’s friends and said-

“Go, talk to him. Convince him to get married!”

But when the friends talked to Vardhman about getting married, he smiled softly and replied-

“Marriage might be okay for some, but my heart is drawn to Sadhna. That’s what gives me ultimate peace.” 🌸

Just then, Mata Trishla overheard Him. Her heart sank. She thought if my son’s thoughts are so pure and spiritual, maybe one day He’ll leave us all and take Deeksha. Suddenly, tears filled her eyes.

Vardhman saw His mother looking sad and asked her the reason behind it. So in an attempt to make Him deviate from the path of Sadhna, Mata Trishla said-

“My dear son, every mother dreams of seeing her child settled and happy. I wish to see you married.”

Vardhman, being a loving and obedient son, thought-

“My own wishes can wait — but I must not let my mother’s heart ache.” 💖

So, even though His heart longed for spiritual life, He smiled and agreed to marriage with Princess Yashoda. 👑💐

Years passed peacefully. But when King Siddharth and Queen Trishla left their earthly life, Vardhman felt it was finally time to fulfil His true calling.

He went to his elder brother Nandivardhan to seek permission for taking Deeksha.

But Nandivardhan was too heartbroken. 💔 

“Brother, our parents are gone… and now you wish to leave too? Please don’t go just yet. Wait a little while longer — maybe two more years. I’m not ready to lose you.”

Vardhman thought deeply.

“My path is clear — I must take Deeksha. But love also means patience and kindness. If waiting for two years will bring peace to my brother, I shall wait.”

So, even while living in the palace, wearing royal clothes and attending events, Vardhman’s heart stayed calm and detached. He smiled, helped others, and waited peacefully.

But after one year, He asked Nandivardhan to start donating 1 crore 8 lakh gold coins every day.

This practice is known as “Varshi Daan” and is an act of charity performed a year prior to a Teerthankar's Deeksha. 

Finally, two years passed so Vardhman returned to His brother and said –

“The time has come.”

With His brother’s blessings, Prince Vardhman left behind His palace, jewels, and royal life — and stepped onto the path of truth and liberation.

He became Bhagwan Mahavir Swami — the one who conquered all fears, desires, and attachments, and showed the world the path of peace and kindness. 🕊️✨

Bhagwan’s Deeksha Day

The long-awaited day had finally come — the day Prince Vardhman would begin his spiritual journey. 🌿

Early in the morning, Vardhman dressed in pure white clothes. His eyes shone with calm determination. ✨

He climbed onto a beautiful palanquin called “Chandraprabha” which sparkled like moonlight. As it moved slowly through the streets of Kundalpur, people came running from every corner. They folded their hands, bowed their heads, and whispered through their tears,

“Look! Our beloved prince is leaving behind his palace, his riches, and all comforts — to walk the path of truth and kindness!” 🙏

The whole town was filled with emotion. The streets and the skies echoed with joyous chants:

🌸 “Jai Jai Nanda! Jai Jai Bhaddya!” 🌸

Finally, the palanquin stopped near the Ashok Tree. Prince Vardhman stepped down gracefully, smiling gently.

He sat beneath the tree and slowly, He removed all his jewels — His crown, ornaments and royal clothes — placing them aside.

Then came a very special moment. Just like our Sadhus and Sadhvis do even today, Vardhman performed “Panch-Mushti Loch” — which means He removed His hair with His own hands. It was a sign that He was letting go of all attachment to the body and the world. 🌸

Seeing His great courage, Indra Dev lovingly offered him a divine cloth, which Vardhman accepted with gratitude and humility.

Then, bowing His head to the Siddha Prabhus — the souls who have already achieved Moksha — Vardhman made the ultimate sacred vow.

He accepted Samayik Charitra, which means He took Deeksha — a promise to live a life of peace, truth, non-violence, forgiveness and meditation forever. 🕊️

Bhagwan Mahavir’s Sadhna Kaal

After taking Deeksha, Bhagwan Mahavir Swami began His journey of Sadhna. 🌸

But this was not an easy path. His Sadhna Kaal (spiritual journey) was filled with many tests and troubles. Yet, Bhagwan never got upset or angry.

He would always think,

“Whatever happens is because of my own past karma. I will face everything calmly.” 🌿

Just a few hours after His Deeksha, something interesting happened!

Bhagwan was walking peacefully when He met a man named Somsharma, a poor Brahmin. Somsharma looked closely and recognized him as Prince Vardhman.

So he folded his hands and said,

“Oh Lord! I missed your Varshi Daan as I have been out of town for a while. Please, can you give me something? I am very poor.”

But now, Bhagwan had no palace, no jewels and no money — He had given up everything! The only thing He had was that divine cloth given by Indra Dev.

So, with great love, Bhagwan tore that cloth into two pieces and gave half to Somsharma.

Somsharma was overjoyed! He accepted it and went away happily. 🌸

Now, Bhagwan had just half a piece of that divine cloth left.

A few days later, as He walked through forests and fields, even that last piece got caught in thorny bushes and tore away.

This was the beginning of many hardships and challenges that Bhagwan faced during His sadhna kaal. We shall explain a few of them one-by-one…

Incident #1

On the very first evening of His Deeksha, Bhagwan was standing quietly in deep meditation under the open sky.

Just then, a milkman passed by with his herd of cows. 🐄🐄🐄He saw Bhagwan standing there and thought,

“Oh, this man is standing still — maybe he can watch over my cows while I go get something!”

So he said, “Hey, please look after my cows for a bit!” and went away.

But Bhagwan was in deep meditation, completely still and silent. He didn’t even hear the milkman’s words!

When the milkman returned, he couldn’t find his cows! He became very angry. Thinking Bhagwan didn’t look after them like he asked him to, the milkman raised his whip to strike him! 😠

Just then — 🌟 a Dev appeared from the sky! 🌟

“Stop!” he commanded. “Do you know who you’re about to hurt? This is Bhagwan Mahavir Swami — the divine soul who will bring peace to the whole world!” 🙏

The milkman froze in fear, his hands shaking. He fell to the ground, folded his hands, and said,

“Forgive me, great one! I didn’t know who you were!”

Bhagwan, calm and kind, simply continued His meditation. 🌸

The Dev turned to Bhagwan and said gently,

“Oh Lord, in the next 12 and a half years, you will face many troubles and tests. Please, let me stay with you as your bodyguard!”

But Bhagwan smiled and replied,

“Dear Dev, these challenges will help me end my past karma. I must face them on my own.”

The Dev bowed deeply and returned to Devlok, while Bhagwan continued His peaceful journey. ✨

Oh, and did you guys know that right from the day of Deeksha, Bhagwan began a special kind of fasting called “Bela Tap” — where He would not eat or drink for two whole days.

After completing His first Bela Tapasya, on the third day, He broke His fast (Paarna) as a kind Brahmin named Bahul lovingly offered Him a bowl of sweet kheer 🍚✨ — and Bhagwan accepted it with gratitude.

Incident #2

After many days of walking barefoot and meditating peacefully, Bhagwan Mahavir Swami reached a small, quiet village. 🏡 Just outside the village, there stood a beautiful old temple – a perfect place for a night’s rest.

So He went to the pujari (temple priest) and politely asked,

“May I stay here tonight?” 🙏

The pujari looked shocked! He quickly said,

“No, no, you shouldn’t! This temple belongs to Shoolpani Yaksha — an angry Dev who guards this place. He has sharp weapons, and if anyone enters, he becomes furious! Please don’t stay here!”

But Bhagwan Mahavir smiled gently. He didn’t fear anyone!

And so, with a quiet heart, Bhagwan sat in deep meditation inside the temple.

As night fell, the skies rumbled… Suddenly, Shoolpani Yaksha appeared!

He roared angrily,

“Who dares enter my temple?”

His eyes glowed, his voice thundered — but Bhagwan sat peacefully, eyes closed, calm as ever.

Yaksha tried to scare him...

First, he became a giant elephant, trumpeting loudly, and used his trunk to throw Bhagwan high into the air!

Then, Shoolpani turned into a terrifying monster with long sharp nails, scratching Bhagwan's body — but Bhagwan didn’t move.

Finally, Shoolpani became a poisonous snake and bit Bhagwan — but He still stayed calm as ever. 💛

After trying so many forms and weapons, Shoolpani finally stopped. He stared at Bhagwan, surprised —

“This human didn’t fight back… he didn’t even flinch… how is this possible? Surely, this is no ordinary person… this is a great soul.” 🌟

Shoolpani fell at Bhagwan’s feet and cried,

“Forgive me, Lord! I was foolish and angry.”

Bhagwan opened his eyes and said softly,

“Dear one, anger only brings pain. Peace and forgiveness bring true joy.”

Hearing these wise words, the angry Dev’s heart melted. He bowed again, feeling calm for the first time in ages.

From that day on, Shoolpani Yaksha left the temple and gave up his anger forever. 🌸

The temple became peaceful once again, and Bhagwan continued His journey, spreading love and calm wherever He went. 🌈

Incident #3

One bright day, Bhagwan Mahavir Swami was walking peacefully when the road suddenly split into two paths. A kind passerby said,

“Please don’t go down that road! Although it’s a shortcut… but a dangerous snake named Chandkaushik lives there! 🐍 His eyes are full of poison — just one look, and no one survives!”

But Bhagwan smiled softly. Being a totally fearless soul, He took the shortcut and even calmly sat right outside Chandkaushik’s burrow, closing His eyes in meditation. 🧘‍♂️✨

When Chandkaushik saw a human sitting so close, he became furious! 😡

“How dare someone come near my home!”

His eyes shot out streams of poison — but Bhagwan didn’t even flinch. The poison vanished into thin air, as if it never existed.

Even angrier, Chandkaushik slithered out and bit Bhagwan’s foot with all his strength! 🐍

But… what happened next shocked him! 😲

Instead of red blood, pure white milk flowed from the wound. 🌸

Chandkaushik blinked in surprise.

“White milk? How is that possible?”

Bhagwan gently opened His eyes and said,

“Dear Chandkaushik, anger and hatred only bring pain. True strength is in kindness and peace. A real hero never hurts others — he helps them.” 🌿

Hearing these calm and loving words, something changed in Chandkaushik’s heart. 💖

Memories from his past lives flashed before his eyes. He realized he had wasted so many lives in anger and violence.

With tears in his eyes, he bowed down and said,

“Forgive me, Lord. I don’t want to hurt anyone ever again.”

From that day on, Chandkaushik became peaceful and gentle. People in the village were amazed!They brought him milk and sweets every day — but soon, ants came to eat the food and started biting his body.

Even then, Chandkaushik stayed calm, never angry.

In time, he peacefully left his body and was reborn in the 8th Devlok.

Incident #4

Ten years had passed since Bhagwan Mahavir Swami took Deeksha. For all those years, He had faced multiple difficult situations — but He never lost His calm.

Up in Devlok, Indra Dev watched all this and said proudly,

“There is no one in this Lok as patient and peaceful as Bhagwan Mahavir!” 🌸

But one Dev named Sangam didn’t like hearing that. He thought --

“How can a human be greater than us Devs? I’ll test him myself! Let’s see how patient he really is.”

So, filled with pride, Sangam Dev flew down to Prithvi Lok.

It was nighttime. Bhagwan Mahavir stood in deep meditation, eyes closed, heart full of peace.

But Sangam Dev started his terrible tricks!

First came horrifying ghostly sounds — howls, screams, rattles! The entire place echoed with scary noises 👻But Bhagwan stayed calm.

Then, a fierce dust storm blew everywhere — trees shook, leaves flew, yet Bhagwan didn’t move an inch.

Next came thousands of red ants, crawling all over His body, biting and stinging until His skin swelled with pain. But Bhagwan stayed still, peaceful as a mountain.

Then came mosquitoes, buzzing and sucking His blood… Then bees, circling and stinging Him again and again! Still, Bhagwan didn’t react.🌸

After that came snakes, spiders, and rats — each one trying to hurt Him… But nothing could shake His inner peace.

Sangam Dev grew frustrated. 😤

“This human doesn’t even flinch!”

So he turned into a giant elephant 🐘 and tossed Bhagwan high into the air!Then he tried temptations — he created beautiful fairies and angels to dance and distract Bhagwan. But Bhagwan didn’t even open His eyes.

Sangam then lit a fire at Bhagwan’s feet, cooked food on it! Next, he caused a massive earthquake! The ground split, and Bhagwan’s body was buried up to His waist in soil. But even then, His face glowed with peace.

Finally, through his Maya, he created Bhagwan’s family members who started crying in front of Him, but event that didn’t work.

Six long months passed — six months of painful tests — and Bhagwan Mahavir never got angry, never moved, never complained. Just thinking about all the atrocities Bhagwan had to face gives us goosebumps, right?

At last, Sangam Dev gave up. 😔

“I tested you in every way… and failed. You truly are Mahavir — the bravest of all.”

He turned to go back to Devlok. Just then, two drops of tears fell from Bhagwan’s eyes. 💧💧

Sangam Dev turned around, surprised! 😲

“I gave you so much pain, but you didn’t cry. Now that I’m leaving, why are you crying?”

Bhagwan softly replied,

“I’m not crying for myself. I’m crying for you. When all the bad karma from your actions comes back to you one day, how much pain you will have to face! I feel sorry for you.”

Such was the greatness of our Bhagwan. His heart was full of love and compassion even for someone who had tortured Him relentlessly for months!

Incident #5

It was the 13th year of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami’s sadhna — He had faced storms, hunger, heat, and pain — but never lost His peace. 🌸

One quiet evening, Bhagwan was standing still in deep meditation. Just then, a milkman came by with his herd of cows 🐄🐄🐄

He had to run an errand, so he said,

“Oh monk, please keep an eye on my cows for a while.”

But Bhagwan was meditating, so He didn’t reply. When the milkman came back, the cows were gone!

He shouted multiple times,

“Hey! Where are my cows? Where did they go?”

But Bhagwan stayed silent, deep in meditation. 🕊️

The milkman grew furious.

“So you can’t hear me, huh? Then your ears are useless!”

In his anger, he picked up two long wooden nails and hammered them into Bhagwan’s ears! 💥😢

Can you imagine the pain??!!

But Bhagwan didn’t move. He didn’t shout. He didn’t even open his eyes. He just endured the pain calmly thinking it was all His past karma.

The next day, Bhagwan went for gochari to the home of Siddharth Vanik 🏡When Siddharth saw Bhagwan, he gasped —

“Oh no! There are nails in His ears!”

A doctor who was visiting also saw Him and said,

“We must remove them carefully, so He doesn’t feel pain.”

So that evening, when Bhagwan went into meditation, the doctor gently removed the nails from His ears. When the nails came out, fountains of blood flowed and everyone watching began to cry. They whispered,

“How much pain He must have felt… yet He stayed silent.”

Bhagwan, as always, was calm. He had no anger, no complaint — only peace and forgiveness.

Now do you guys know something amazing? The first suffering of Bhagwan’s sadhna was given by a milkman… and the last one too — by another milkman!

But Bhagwan bore it all with infinite courage and patience 💪✨That’s why we call Him Mahavir — the Bravest of the Brave!

During His 12.5 years of sadhna (4515 days), He ate food on only 349 days 🍚— and fasted for all the rest!

Bhagwan Attains Kewal Gyaan

Towards the end of His Sadhna Kaal, Bhagwan Mahavir finally reached a town called Jrimbhak. Near that town flowed a sparkling river named Rijubalika. And by that river was a beautiful garden filled with flowers, plants and tall shady trees. 🌸🌳🕊️

In that garden stood a Shaal tree, and under it, Bhagwan Mahavir sat down in a special asana called “Goduha” asana – it means sitting only on your toes!

He closed His eyes and began to meditate deeply. As the sun began to set and the world became calm and quiet, Bhagwan’s mind became so peaceful, so pure, that something amazing happened…

All the four “Ghati” karmas that were stopping His true light —

• Gyanavarniya Karma 

• Darshanavarniya Karma 

• Mohniya Karma 

• Antaraya Karma... were completely destroyed!

  

And in that magical moment, Bhagwan Mahavir attained Kewal Gyaan — infinite knowledge! 🌟

His soul became totally pure, shining like a bright diamond! 💎☀️

Bhagwan Mahavir Meets Indrabhuti Gautam

As soon as Bhagwan attained Kewal Gyan, thrones of Indras in Dev Lok started shaking.

When they realized what had happened, they immediately came to Prithvi Lok feeling super ecstatic.

They bowed down before our Kewal Gyani Bhagwan Mahavir Swami and started creating a super grand Samavsaran for His first Deshna (sermon).🌟

But at that time, there were no sadhus or sadhvis, shravaks or shravikas present there – so no one actually listened to His wise words – which was very unusual.

So Bhagwan decided to go further ahead to a city called Pavapuri.

In Pavapuri, a Brahmin named Somil was hosting a huge Yagya.🔥 He had invited many intellectuals, smart and wise people — and the wisest of all was Indrabhuti Gautam — a famous teacher with 500 students!

Suddenly, Somil and Gautam looked up at the sky and saw golden chariots of the Devs flying by! 🛸Somil was thrilled,

“Wow! Even the Devs are coming to my yagya!”

But oops! The chariots didn’t stop there — they went ahead… straight to Bhagwan Mahavir’s Samavsaran! 😮

Gautam frowned,

“Who is this Mahavir? How can someone be wiser than me? I know humans are easily to fool but here, this Mahavir has managed to fool even the Devs! Let’s go see what’s going on.” 

And off he went with his 500 students.

When Gautam reached the Samavsaran, he was amazed to see all the grandeur. The entire place was full of divine light and beauty!🌟

As Gautam looked around, Bhagwan gently called,

“Gautam…”

Gautam was surprised,

“He knows my name? Okay, maybe he’s heard of me. I’m a famous man after all… but can he read my mind? If he can, I’ll truly consider him a wise man…”

Right then, Bhagwan smiled and said,

“Gautam, I know what you’re wondering. You’re thinking about the soul — whether it truly exists or not.” 💭

Gautam’s eyes widened!

“Yes! That’s exactly my question!”

Bhagwan explained kindly,

“Yes, souls are real. We may not see them, but they live inside every being — humans, animals, even tiny bugs! Because of the soul, we do good deeds, and avoid bad ones. If there were no soul, why would we do anything good at all?” 💖

He gave many beautiful examples that made Gautam’s heart light up with understanding. 🌟

The First Disciple

Gautam bowed deeply before Bhagwan.

“Bhagwan, you have cleared all my doubts. Please accept me as your disciple.”

That day, Indrabhuti Gautam became Bhagwan Mahavir’s first disciple — and soon, 10 other wise men joined too! Together, they became Bhagwan’s 11 Gandhars (main disciples)🌟

Even their hundreds of students took Deeksha under Bhagwan.

And did you know the first Sadhvi to take Deeksha under Bhagwan Mahavir Swami was Shri Chandan Bala Ji! 🌸

Bhagwan’s Ultimate Destination - Moksha

 Bhagwan Mahavir Swami’s last days were spent in Pavapuri.

Then came a very special time — just one day before Kartik Krishna Amavasya (the day we now celebrate as Diwali), Bhagwan called His beloved disciple Gautam Swami and said,

“Gautam, you should go to the house of Dev Sharma Brahmin in the nearby village and teach him dharma.”

Gautam Swami nodded and left immediately to follow his Guru’s words. 🙏

But Bhagwan Mahavir knew something Gautam didn’t… He knew that His time to leave this world — to attain Nirvana — had come. And because Gautam Swami loved him deeply, Bhagwan didn’t want him to feel too sad at that moment. 💖

🌟 The Final Sermon 🌟

After Gautam Swami left, Bhagwan Mahavir sat peacefully in Padmasana🧘‍♂️in His Samavsaran. Then He began His last sermon. 

For 48 hours — yes, two whole days! — He shared His golden words with everyone in the Samavsaran. ✨People listened with love, their hearts full of peace and devotion.

Then, when the sacred moment arrived, Bhagwan became completely still — calm like the mighty Meru Parvat. In that peaceful moment, he destroyed the last 4 "Aghati" karmas that tied him to the world:

• Vedniya Karma

• Naam Karma 

• Gotra Karma 

• Ayushya Karma 

And then… 💫His soul became totally pure — shining brighter than a thousand suns! 🌞🌟

In just one samay (a moment faster than even lightning), His soul rose straight upward to Siddha Shila, the land of liberated souls - you know just like when you release a gas-filled balloon and it goes straight upwards!!

When Bhagwan Mahavir attained Nirvana, the entire world felt a deep darkness — not just outside, but also in people’s hearts. 🌌💔Everyone felt sad — they had lost their Guru, their light, their beloved Bhagwan.

To remove that darkness, people began to light diyas everywhere. 🪔✨The glowing lamps brought light back into the world — a symbol of Bhagwan’s eternal wisdom and purity.

And that day came to be known as Diwali — the festival of lights! 🎉🕯️💫

Every Diwali, when we light diyas, we remember Bhagwan Mahavir Swami and the light of truth He gave the world. 💖

🌸Boliye Veetraagi Prabhu Shri Mahavir Swami Bhagwan ki Jai🌸