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the king was confused and depressed. Now, how would he
be able to stand by his resolve of displaying incomparable
devotion ? But his mind was steady.

I will stick to my decision. I will not get depressed thinking
that where do I stand in front of the great Indra ? I do not
have miraculous, celestial power using which I can display
such grandeur. But I will use my human power optimally. I
will still stick to my resolve and succeed however I can.”

He, thus realized that, ‘‘Though this Indra has magical
powers and can create all this material wealth, but he
definitely does not possess the calibre to create the real
spiritual wealth – Charitra*. I have that calibre.”

Hence, if I bow down to Lord after attaining this topmost
spiritual wealth i.e Charitra, it means that I bowed down to
Lord with the best of my devotion. I am not wrried if I have
to forsake the entire kingdom, beautiful queens, the huge army
to attain Charitra.”

He, thus took this decision and reached the samavasaran.
Indra also reached there with his celestial procession The
Indra may be thinking that,” Seeing my pomp and show, the
king ’s prosperity will fade away, my devotion will exceed his
devotion. But he will soon realize his blunder.” The Indra was
left spellbound on seeing the further events. Before bowing
down to Lord Mahavira, King Dasharnabhadra removed his
royal attire, left the material world forever and accepted
Charitra. He then came to Lord and bowed down to him in
this holy attire.

* Charitra - Diksha i.e. renouncing the material world and becoming
a monk.
* Samavasarana - The three-tier platform created by the Devas, wherein
Lord Mahavira gives his sermon.
24. Sthitapragyata (Steadiness of Mind) 127