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Marriage of the Arhat Pārçvanātha
113
SARGA THE SIXTH
Frame story: Marriage and later life of the Arhat
Pārçvanātha King Acvasena rejoiced at the sight of Pārçva and Prabhāvatī, greeted Prasenajit, and inquired after his mission. Prasenajit, pointing out Prabhāvatī's love, asked that she be chosen as Pārçva's wife. Açvasena replied that he shared his wish, but that Pārçva had grown averse to life and royal glory, and longed for nirvāṇa, so that he did not know what Pārçva might do. They both went to Pārçva, and stated their desire. Pārçva answered that eternal, and not perishable possessions were his desire; that, therefore, he wished to uproot the tree of existence. Açvasena agreed that such desire, of itself, spelled salvation, but asked that he should first fulfil his father's heart's desire, by founding a family (14). Pārçva consenting, festive preparations were made. Prabhāvati was adorned in all the splendor of a royal bride (29). Pārçva, arrayed brilliantly, riding a white elefant, arrived at the marriage pavillion (34). The marriage took place; wedding gifts were bestowed; the people were entertained with sumptuous festivities; the bridal couple went to their house and passed their days in marital bliss (49).
Once, when the Lord was standing at a window of his palace, he noticed a great concourse of people. On inquiry, he found that they had come to do honor to the ascetic Katha (see 5.1 ff.). Out of curiosity the Lord also went
* In Samarādityasanksepa 1. 5 Prabhåvati is said to be Parcva's murti, * embodiment.'
