Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s1.t6.35

v2.c10.s1.t6.35

A great number of Jain myths are about Mahavira’s life whose birth was miraculous. About 2,500 years ago in a kingdom that is now Bihar, the queen had a strange dream. She saw a series of propitious things including Lakshmi, full moon, sun, male lion, elephant, bull, golden cart, sacrificial fire, garland, throne and the like in her dream. Days later, she gave birth to Prince Mahavira, who upon birth appeared very unusual, healthy and handsome, and never needed to be taught, since he had mastered all knowledge in a previous life.