Anathi Muni

It was between 557-527BC when Mahavira, The 24th and the last tirthankara was travelling on this earth making people realise realities of life and showing them the path towards liberation.

Once during monsoon season, Mahavira was at Rajgruhi, the capital city of a huge magadha empire  Currently Rajgruhi is known as Rajgir, Bihar India.

Anathi Muni was standing under a tree in meditation when King of Magadh Shrenik also known as Bimbisar and his troops passed by and started doing army exercises On seeing Anathi Muni they were surprised that such a handsome looking young man had become a monk. They ask why have you taken to monkhood at such a young age whereas you can live a luxurious life you could have taken to monkhood at an appropriate time later, why at this young age.

Muni replies: O King! I am an orphan hence I have renounced the world.

King Shrenik responds: I will adopt you, come to my kingdom I will provide whatever you want.

Muni responds: O King you are also an orphan so how can become my master. Listen I had an obedient wife Idrayani Mother Father, Sister, uncles and aunts and all the riches of the world but one day I fell ill I had unbearable pain doctors gave medicines but pain continued I asked my parents my wife no one was ready to take my pain Only I myself had to bear the pain. While bearing the unbearable pain I thought that there is nobody who is mine I am alone as soon as I recover from my illness I will renounce the world. As soon as I decided this my temperature started reducing and by morning the illness had gone. As I had decided I left my home and renounced the world. O King! I truly came to know that I am was an orphan but now I have a master Bhagwan Mahavir! King Shrenik agreed and said to Anathi Muni that you are right I cannot become youe master when I myself is an orphan. King Shrenik bowed to Anathi Muni and returned to his palace.

Anathi Muni lived proper monkhood and his soul reached Shivpuri heaven.