________________
CHAPTER II
BIRTH OF AJITA AND SAGARA
Now, there is a city named Vinītā, the crest-jewel of the earth, in Bharata in the continent Jambūdvipa. After the time of the emancipation of Lord Rşabha Svāmin, Lord of the Three Worlds, the first Tirthankara, when numberless kings of the Ikşvāku-family had attained emancipation and Sarvārthasiddha 68 because of their pure nature, in this city Jitaśatru was king, like a broad umbrella of the Ikşvāku-family warding off heat (pain) from all.
His virtues, bravery, etc., gained a lord in his very brilliant glory, like the constellations having a lord in the moon. He was a srivalli-pavilion, 59 whose center could not be reached like the ocean, refreshing to the eyes like the moon, a house of adamant to those wishing protection. Dwelling in the hearts of all gods and men he, though one, became multiplied like the moon in water. He was over the whole world, like the midday sun, because of the circuits of the quarters traversed with unendurable brilliance. While he was ruling the earth, kings constantly bore his command on their heads like diadems. He took choice treasures from the earth and distributed them for the benefit of all the people, like a cloud giving rain.
58 3. The central palace in Anuttara.
59 6. This example of a śrivallimandapa' would indicate that śrivalli refers to the Acacia Concinna rather than the jasn s.v.). The Acacias are prickly climbing shrubs used in hedges to protect fields (Watt, p. 2). The idea of inaccessibility because of its thorns suits very well here and the comparison with the moon is satisfactory, as the Acacias are also beautiful. Probably also in I. 6. 573 (I, p. 366) it is used with the idea of inaccessibility. Note 403 in I should be revised accordingly,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
