________________
113
on your head with devotion, always go with their heads covered with umbrellas. 150 The ones who put ointment on your body even one time doubtless become wearers of garments of devaduṣya. The creeper-like arms of goddesses flutter about the necks of the ones who put wreaths of flowers on your neck even once. Whoever describe a single time your spotless virtues, they are heralded in song by goddesses as superior to the people. Whoever dance before you with devotion with skill in beautiful steps, for them a seat on the shoulder of the elephant Airāvaṇa is not hard to obtain. Whoever meditate on you, the supreme spirit, O god, day and night, having become like you, always reach a state of being meditated on by the people. By your favor may I always have the prerogative of making the bath, anointing, decoration, ornaments, et cetera, for you."
After this hymn of praise, Śakra took the Jina, went and deposited him at the side of Queen Suyaśas according to custom. Sakra and the other Indras held an eight-day festival to the images of the eternal Arhats in Nandiśvara and went again to their own abodes.
ANANTANATHACARITRA
Life before initiation (47–51)
Then the name Anantajit was given to the Supreme Lord, because infinite armies of his enemies had been conquered by his father while he was in the womb. Sucking nectar from his own thumb, like a yogi the nectar of meditation, instead of nursing, the Supreme Lord gradually grew up. The Lord gradually passed childhood, like the moon, and gradually attained youth, fifty bows tall.
Making a decision with the idea of abandoning it (later), like a traveler seeking a refuge, Anantanatha married at his father's command. When seven and a half lacs of years had passed, the Master assumed the burden of the kingdom to please his father.
159 38. A sign of distinction.
8
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org