Introduction To Shanti-Kalash Ceremonial Process

Queen Trishala, mother of Lord Mahavir saw at mid night fourteen beautiful and auspicious dreams after conception. She woke up. Her dreams filled her with wonder and joy.

The king called the soothsayers for the interpretation of dreams and they unanimously said, "Sir, Her Highness will be blessed with a noble son, and a spiritual leader."

After nine months and fourteen days, Queen Trishala delivered a baby boy. The boy was named Vardhaman meaning ever increasing.

Immediately after the birth of prince Vardhaman, Lord Indra, the King of heaven, arrived with other gods and goddesses. He hypnotized the whole city including mother Trishala and King Siddharth.

He took baby Vardhaman to mount Meru and bathed him. He proclaimed peace and harmony by reciting Bruhat Shanti during the first bathing ceremony of the new born Tirthankara.

At the age of 30, prince Vardhman renounced the world and became a monk. At the age of 42, he realised the absolute Self Knowledge, known as Keval Jnan. Prince Vardhaman became Lord Mahavir, the twenty fourth and the last Tirthankara of Jain religion. He preached his message of non-violance, truthfulness, non-possesion and Anekantwad for 30 years. At the age of 72, he attained the salvation. He became a liberated Soul free from any bondage of the universe.

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