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[Second Study: Kamadeva, the Lord of Desires]
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[107]
The term 'Shatakritu-Ritu' means a sacrifice. According to the Vedic tradition, upon the completion of a hundred sacrifices, one attains the status of Indra. Therefore, 'Shatakritu' refers to the accomplishment of a hundred sacrifices to attain the position of Indra.
'Sahasrāṃkṣa' literally means 'the one with a thousand eyes.' There is a well-known mythological story behind this name of Indra. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, it is mentioned that once Indra went to bathe on the banks of the Mandakini River. There, he saw the wife of the sage Gautama, Ahalya, bathing. Indra's mind was corrupted by lust, and he used his divine powers to assume the form of Gautama and violated Ahalya's chastity. When Gautama arrived, he was extremely enraged and cursed Indra, saying that his body would be covered with a thousand vulvas. Immediately, a thousand vulvas appeared on Indra's body. Indra was terrified and fell at the sage's feet. After much pleading, the sage told Indra that he would have to bear this abhorrent form for a full year, living in the foul odor of the vulvas. After that, through the worship of the Sun, the thousand vulvas would be transformed into eyes, and Indra would become 'Sahasrāṃkṣa,' the one with a thousand eyes.
112. Then the Shramanopasaka (lay disciple) Kamadeva, realizing that the obstacle (upasarga) was no more, completed the ritual of the image (pratima).
113. At that time, the Shramana Bhagavan Mahavira (went to where the city of Champa and the Purnabhadra shrine were, took the appropriate seat, and engaged in self-contemplation through restraint and austerity) resided.
114. Then the Shramanopasaka Kamadeva, reflecting on this story, (thought: 'Indeed, this Shramana Bhagavan Mahavira is residing here,' and after venerating and saluting the Bhagavan, in order to observe the Posadha vow, he) dressed in clean white garments (and adorned with the best ornaments, with a clean and decorated body, and a parasol).