Lilavati Sara

SR No.: 002651
Original Sutra Author: Jinratnasuri
Author: H C Bhayani, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 514
Language: Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Literature
File Size: 19 MB

Page 46

Introduction
process. and proceeded to devour one of them. The Yogin was frightened and cried for the prince's help. The prince rushed with his sword, but the Vetāla, catching hold of the Yogin, entered a hole in the earth. As the prince set to dig at that spot to catch the goblin, the latter threw him down unconscious. Meanwhile the guards arrived and found the prince lying in high fever. He was brought to the city, and his father succeeded somehow in ridding him of the Yakṣini. Once, when the king scolded the prince for his rashness, he left in company of in company of a few companions and could not be traced so far. Candrasekhara made a request to Jayasekhara to detain the prince if he chanced to come there.
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At this juncture, the doorkeeper brought the news about Haricandra's arrival near the city. The king and the prince went to receive Haricandra. As they were returning along with him, on their way back a heavy rain-storm broke out and the company got dispersed in the disturbed situation. The elephant of the prince was scared and ran towards its native river in the Vindhya mountain. As it was about to rush into the waters, the prince jumped down and rested on the bank. At that moment god Süradeva took the opportunity to enlighten the prince. He appeared before him in the form of a man, caught hold of him and pushed him down under water. During the immersion, the god took him on a trip through various bells and heavens, showing him the torments of the sinful and the pleasures of the virtuous. On a request from the prince, he revealed his identity as his friend Saradeva, told him about all the incidents right from. those in Ksuämbi, and took him to his own Vimana of the previous birth. Thence he took him to the preceptor Simandharasvämin in Mahävideba. The latter reminded the prince cf his past birth. Both of them bowed down to the preceptor and listened to his religious discourse. Thereafter Süradeva brought the prince back to the river, mounted him on his elephant and himself returned to his heaven.
The prince returned to his city acd informed his father about his intention to renounce the wordly life. His parents and his wife. willing to let him go, but ultimately he could persuade them. They too desired to follow his example. The prince and his five hundred friends, ast also his wife and parents, went to the Nandana garden, paid homage to the preceptor Nandanasuri, listened to his religious discourse, and got ini. tiated at his hand. The prince studied all the fourteen Purvas. He made rapid progress in acquiring knowledge and practising austerities. His parents died and attained liberation. The preceptor promoted Samarasena to the status of Acarya, installed him in his place and gave him salutary advice.