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for as long as 7 years. She did not worry about her basic
requirements of food and water. She maintained her purity
of character and engrossed herself in reverence of God. How
impactful was her devotion !

Impact of Damayanti’s purity of character and faith in
the Arihantas :

Once there were heavy rains in the forest and it seemed that
the entire hermitage would be wiped away in the force of
water. At such a time Mahasati Damayanti came out of her
cave and made a resolution that, “May the hermits and the
hermitage be saved because of the purity of my character
and my faith in the Arihantas.” Thinking thus, she drew a
boundary line encircling the entire hermitage. That’s it - the
remaining was magic. So strong was the impact of Mahasati’s
character and faith that it seemed as if a roof was formed
above the hermitage. Not a single drop of water fell on the
hermitage. The water floods also changed track and did not
harm the hermitage at all.
All the hermits were left spellbound. They thought, “We left
our home and performed such strict penance. Inspite of that,
its impact is not as great as this mere lady’s impact. What is
her secret formula ? Let’s ask her.”

They approached Damayanti and asked her, “What magic
did you do ? The rains and floods did not even touch our
hermitage.”

Damayanti replied, “This is all the impact of Jain religion.
You are doing strict penance but if it is done alongwith faith
in Jainism, it will give miraculous results.’’ Hearing this, the
hermits asked about the nature and principles of Jainism.
Damayanti answered their questions satisfactorily. This created
a deep impact in the hearts of the hermits.
21. Importance of Courage & Faith 101