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Mahavira’s path of renounciation. After accepting this difficult
path, they were continuously fasting and doing penances
because of which their body started becoming drier and drier.
Their physical capacity declined. Their body was nothing
more than a skeleton. Their complexion had also become
darker because of the tremendous hardships that they were
bearing. So much so that when Shalibhadra went to his own
house to seek alms, no one recognized him. Thus no one
called him or gave him alms.

Imagine how much they had ignored their body. How strong
and steady was their mind in penance ! They had a strong
resolution to not leave penance even if their strong body lost
all charm and colour. How much penance to do ? Till the final
stage of Anshana*.

On the occasion of their end of Maskhamana, they came to
Lord Mahavira. Lord Mahavir said, ‘‘Your mother will give
you alms today.’’ But no one recognized saint Shalibhadra
when he reached his home. While retuning, an old shepherd
woman gave them alms. Taking them, both the saints ended
their 30 days long fast and puzzled with the happening returned
to Lord Mahavira. Lord immediately cleared their confusion
saying that the old shepherd woman was Shalibhadra’s previous
birth’s mother. Shalibhadra had attained such a precious birth
because of his Supatradan whereas the shepherd woman was
still in that old miserable state.

Hearing this, understading the importance of religion, both the
great saints did their Parna* and approached Lord Mahavira.
They sought permission to accept Anshana. Lord agreed and
blessed them.

* Anshana – The ultimate penance wherein you take an oath to leave all
food, water and stand still in a particular position till your last breath.
* Parna – Ending a fast
24. Sthitapragyata (Steadiness of Mind) 119