Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
The Seventy-Sixth Chapter
The second, the Shruta-Jnana (scriptural knowledge) Veda, is eternally existent. It has many divisions, based on the differences in the Dravya-Kshetra (substance-field) etc., or the five Kalyanakas of the Tirthankaras. Those who perform the Yajna (worship) of the Jina during these divisions, accumulate punya (merit) and, after enjoying its fruits, attain Siddhahood (liberation) in due course.
This Yajna has been described by the Rishis as of two types, based on the Ashramas (stages of life) of the Muni (ascetic) and the Grihastha (householder). The first is the direct cause of liberation, and the second is the indirect cause of liberation through tradition.
Thus, this tradition of the Deva-Yajna has continued, benefiting both worlds, and it continues to exist.
However, in the Tirtha (pilgrimage) of Muni-Suvrata-Nath, there was an Asura (demon) named Mahakal, who harbored hatred for King Sagar. This ignorant being preached the Yajna of violence.
Why did Mahakal do this? If you wish to know, listen. In this Bharat Kshetra, there was a city called Charan-Yugal. In it, King Suyodhan ruled.
His queen was named Atithi, and they had a daughter named Sulasa. For her Swayamvara (self-choice of husband), many kings assembled in Charan-Yugal, at the behest of messengers. King Sagar of Ayodhya was also eager to attend the Swayamvara, but he had a white hair in his hair. The oil-applying attendant noticed it and realized it was very old. Knowing this, he became averse to attending the Swayamvara, feeling dispassionate.
King Sagar had a foster mother named Mandodari, who was very clever. She went to Sagar and said, "This white hair is new, and it is telling you that you will gain some sacred object." At that time, a minister named Vishwabhu also arrived and said, "Just as Sulasa will desire you, I will skillfully arrange everything."
Hearing the minister's words, King Sagar was very pleased. He set out for King Suyodhan's city with his four-fold army, and after a few days, he arrived there. Mandodari, Sagar's foster mother, had accompanied him. She went to Sulasa and praised King Sagar's lineage, beauty, splendor, valor, diplomacy, humility, wealth, relatives, and possessions, as well as his suitability.
All this was understood by Sulasa, who was already inclined towards him.