________________
105
There were fifty-seven ganabhṛts, Mandara,
Sāsanadevatās (178–181)
In that congregation arose a Yakṣa named Şanmukha, with a peacock for a vehicle, white, his right hands holding a fruit, cakra, arrow, sword, noose, and rosary; his left hands holding an ichneumon, cakra, bow, shield, and cloth, and one hand in the abhayada-position, the Lord's messenger-deity. Likewise originated, Viditä, her color equal to that of yellow orpiment, seated on a lotus, her right hands holding an arrow and a noose, her left ones a bow and a serpent, became a messenger-deity of Śrī Vimala.
samavasarana. et cetera.
VIMALANATHACARITRA
Samavasarana (182-191)
Then with these two always in close attendance the Teacher of the World, wandering from that place came to the environs of Dvaravati. Then the gods, Sakra, and others, made a samavasaraṇa with an aśoka seven hundred and twenty bows high. The Blessed One entered it by the east door and circumambulated the caitya-tree three times, observing the custom of the Arhats. Saying, "Homage to the congregation," the thirteenth Dharmacakrin adorned the lion-throne, facing the east. The monks, nuns, gods, goddesses, women, and men entered by the proper doors and occupied the proper places.
Then royal agents went in haste to Dvārakā and reported to Šārngapāņi that the Master had come to the samavasaraṇa. Svayambhu, delighted, gave twelve and a half crores of silver as a gratuity to the men who announced the Master's approach. Svayambhu went hurriedly to the samavasaraṇa-the sole cause of good fortune (bhadra)—with Bhadra, and entered. After circumambulating and bowing to the Supreme Lord, Svayambhu and Bhadra sat down behind Śakra. After bowing again to the Jina, their hands folded together submissively, Vajrabhṛt, Sarngabhṛt, and Bala began a hymn of praise:
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org