31. SUDAMSTRA, A SERPENT-PRINCE, CAUSES HAVOC IN THE RIVER

While on his way to Rajagrha from Surabhipura, Bhagavan Mahavira had to cross the river Ganga in a boat. The serpent-prince Sudamstra bore a grudge against Bhagavan Mahavira, as the serpent-prince-who was then a lion-was killed by Bhagavan Mahavira, in one of the previous births, Who was then known as Vasudeva. In order to have his revenge on the killer, the serpent-prince creates a terrific cyclonic storm by his magic power. The boat is rocked by the huge waves of the river Ganga, the mast is broken and pandemonium prevails everywhere. But Bhagavan Mahavira is seated calmly and serenely, deeply absorbed in meditation. The two gods of the nether regions, Kambala and Sambala knew it by their divine power and rushed to the spot. They drove away Sudamstra and the storm subsided. All abroad the boat bowed down to him with great respect and gratitude, as they were convinced that they owed their lives to the presence of the great saint.