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GOMMATEŚVARA AS FOUND IN HARIVAŃSAPURĀNA
PREM CHAND JAIN
Gommațeśvara, also called Bahubali, was a son of Lord Rşabha', the first great world Teacher (in this avasarpiņi) who, after teaching his people the way of house-holder's life. divided his kingdom among his sons. He made Bharata, his eldest son, his successor and took to asceticism to teach mankind the way of salvation. After long years, Bharata went out to conquer the world and became the first Emperor.
Subjugating all the countries in the six continents and subduing the kings one after another Bharata returned to Ayodhyā, the imperial capital." The huge and victorious army marching through triumphal arches entered the high gates of the city. First the chariots rattled in; the elephants, swinging their trunks gracefully, moved on while the bells hanging on their sides sounded ding-dong; then the horses neighed and trotted into the city with raised heads; and then the infantry clad in armour majestically walked on with swords held up. Elaborate preparations were going on briskly to celebrate the victory of Bharata, King of Košala and Emperor of şad-Khanda. The entire city was jubilant. The Emperor himself was immersed in great joy. The ministers seated in front of him were receiving instructions regarding the details of the celebration of victory. Just then the Commander-in-Chief stepped into the Durbar Hall and reported to the Emperor that the Discus, the cakra, was still outside the city gates. Bharata was dismayed. He was at a loss to know the reason why the discus had not entered the armoury. He asked the Minister for War if there was any king still unconquered by him. The lists of kings, who had become his vassals, were scrutinized. It was found that the name of Bahubali, the King of Paudanapura, was not in them. He was still independent and he was to be brought under the sway of Bharata.
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