________________
59
good fortune, as it were, I adopted the Jain dharma toward the end of my life. From the power of that dharma I became lord of Śriprabha for so long a time. I am going to fall from here. What is not to be gained is not gained." As he was speaking thus, the god Dṛdhadharma came to him at Bidaujas's command, and said, "The Indra of Aiśana-heaven intends to go to Nandiśvara, etc., to make a puja to the statues of the Jinas. You go also at his command." Saying, “By my good fortune the Master's command comes at just the right time," Lalitanga delighted set out with his wife. He went to Nandiśvara and worshipped the eternal statues of the Arhats. From great joy his imminent fall was forgotten. Then as he was going to other tirthas with a pure mind, he died, since his life was expired, just as a lamp goes out when its oil is consumed.
Sixth incarnation as Vajrajangha (624-715)
Then he was born as the son of King Suvarṇajangha and Queen Laksmi in Jambudvipa, in the East Videhas, near the ocean on the north bank of the big river Sita, in the province Puşkalāvati, in the city Lohärgala. Then with delight blossoming forth, on an auspicious day the happy parents gave him the name of Vajrajangha. In a short time Svayamprabhā, afflicted by grief, devoted to works of dharma, also fell like Lalitanga. In this same province in the city Puṇḍarikiņi, she became the daughter of the Cakrin Vajrasena and his wife Gunavati. She was endowed with beauty surpassing all the world, and was named Srimati by her parents. Cared for by nurses like a creeper by women-gardeners, she grew up gradually, her body delicate and her hands like shining blossoms. As a jewel adorns a gold ring, youth adorned her making the sky blossom, as it were, with her glossy beauty.
One day, for amusement she ascended the high palace
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org