According to the popular Jain story, it was a cowherd / cruel person who tried to disturb Bhagwan Mahavir and put thorns in his ears while he was in deep meditation.

The main point of the story is this:

• Bhagwan Mahavir remained in samata and forgiveness
• He did not feel hatred or anger
• This shows the Jain ideal of ahimsa, kshama, and inner peace

In some Jain traditions, the exact name of the person is told differently, but the teaching of the story is the same: a true ascetic stays calm even in severe pain.