Indian Antiquary Vol 45

SR No.: 032537
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 380
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

Page 314

54
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
Oldisa). He was son of the Sun by Brahma-devi. [Suba-siri-mangalê.] The Vas haranê relates that his mother was Nâta-surapoti Devi; she conceived him in the world of Säkra, of a Hunbeam that fell upon her. He married Mänikpala (q. v.) and with her dwelt first in the Himalaya and then in Miyulu-nuvara, where Lo-dal Kumâra wedded Miyulu-nandana. See also Betel. The Otunu-upata (" Origin of Crowns ") tells that when the sages made Maha-sammata king they made him a crown, which he placed on his own head. Asaddana Rsi, who convened the assembly, made 108 rings of 108 creeping plants, which were then fastened round the king, and the 108 Rşis cut them with spells (see Valalu). The Lakaraja-upata relates that owing to the sin of the earth rain fell for 7 days, and the waters rose up to the Bamba-world; then they sank 16 yoduns daily for 7 days, after which the earth's face reappeared. Two Brahmans descended upon it, fasted 7 days, and ate of its mud. They begot children, who for 30,000 years ate mud, and never quarrelled. Then the mud became bitter, and they fell out. Then fungi grew, which they ate for 60,000 yoans, without quarrelling. Säkra then sent to them a god with a crown of heavenly flowers, to crown a king to rule over them; he chose a boy 5 months old, who was crowned. Säkra named him Maha-sammata, and gave him as wife a goddess from the Säkra-world, who bore him a gon, Nila-yodaya (Nila Devi), and two daughters, Sarasvatî and Umayan. gana (Uma). A similar account is given in Jana-nandanaya. On the flood-legend see also
Vism. The Kota-halu-upata-kavi relates that the rain of 700 years fell in 7 days, and the waters rose up as high as the Bamba-world. Upulvan dived into them, from which a lotus arose with two Bambas in it. When the waters sank, these Bambas came forth upon the earth, and ate of the mud for 60,000 years. Then the Gods created plants and trees, and edible fungi sprang up, likewise the kalpa tree or Tree of Desire, and wild rice (sayam-pâta). The sun appeared, and Maha-sammata was born and crowned king. He is said in the Rabel-varnanava or Mini-ran-dama to have been crowned by Manu. In his honour drums were beaten (860 Drums). Another Kota-halu-upata-kavi, giving the logend of the Deluge etc. up to the crowning of Maha-sammata, relates that Viskam at the command of the gods prepared a crown, a cloth, and a throne for him. He crowned himself in the presence of all men, hence his name. Viskam made him a palace; Säkra brought him celestial robes; and he married Ma-devi, a princess 7 years of age. When Mâ-devi reached puberty at the age of 16, she was ceremonially purified (see Kota-halu); she afterwards bore twin daughters, who were married to Isvara. A Kota-halu-yadinna begins with the story of the flood. Tpon the waters aroge a lotus, on which were Bambas or Brahmas, who when the waters abated lived by eating the mud. When this disappeared, wild rice arose. Men then began to be divided into clans, and falsehood became rife. Viskam made a orown of flowers, and with it crowned the Bodhi-sattva Maha-sammata. Then follows the legend of Uma attaining puberty and her purification. The Kota halu-kavi relates that the gods made him a palace, crowned him with flowers, and seated him upon the elephant Nála-giri; he wedded the daughter of Siva and Maha-devi. The same legend of the flood and birth of M.-.is given in Loka-uppattiya; here he is crowned with a crown of flowers by his fellow-men. Ho married Um &-sarasvati, for whom the Kota-halu was performed. The Maha-sam matabántiya also tells of the deluge, after which the Sun and Moon began to shine, and daya were created; next appeared the seven Mountain-tops, the seven lakes, and lake Anotatta, the world of Säkra on the top of Maha-meru and the world of the Asuras below it. The gods then created Maha-sammata and the 18 languages-Magadha-påli, Abhaya-pâli, Manikkaya, Telinga, Grantha, Tamil-18 races and 18 kings. Maha-sam mata being created