16. PRINCE VARDHAMANA SURPRISES EVERYBODY BY HIS PROFOUND ERUDITION

Thirthamkaras possess threefold knowledge, -Mati, Sruta and Avadhi, -right from their birth. But the parents, not being aware of this naturally insist on their attending a school. Prince Vardhamana was accordingly admitted to a school. But Indra did not like the idea. He therefore, come to the school in the guise of an old Brahmin and requested the teacher to allow prince Vardhaman to occupy the teacher’s seat. Indra then started asking the prince questions on grammar, as ell as other knotty problems in philosophy and metaphysics, Which would have baffled even his teacher. But prince Vardhamana gave very lucid explanations to all the queries. The entire assembly, including his teacher, Were amazed at his profound erudition. Indra then revealed himself and told the teacher, ”Brother, he is an embodiment of knowledge, the Omniscient Lord ! It is futile, as well as superfluous, to try to teach him !” Naturally after this incident his schooling came to an end and he returned to the palace.