Jain Journal 1971 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 30

APRIL, 1971
219
of the earth, this land of six divisions was conquered by (you), whose prestige is unlimited, by himself alone. You have left nothing suitable for strength of arm to be done, by doing which we can say 'We are your sons.' So with (your) favour we wish to wander at will over this earth (if you so permit).”
He granted their affectionate request. ... Then they bowed to their father and went to their own houses, and had drums beaten announcing an auspicious procession.
Then portents and unfavourable omens took place disturbing them though firm, and indicating misfortunes. The sun's disc was filled with a hundred comets, the moon's disc with its centre cut out looked like an ivory ear ornament newly carved. The earth shook ... and showers of hail took place. There was a rain of dust from a dried cloud and favourable wind became cruel and furious. Inauspicious jackels stood on the right and howled freely and owls stood there and hooted. Kites whirled in the sky in circles, down and up ... and rutting elephants became free from mada and streams became waterless as in summer. Lines of smoke issued from the mouths of neighing horses. ... (But) they disregared all these portents and unfavourable omens.
When they had bathed and had made the propitiatory rite and auspicious things, the princes set out with the Cakrin's whole army. Some, mounted on the best elephants, others on horses and some in chariots. ... Like sons of the river on beautiful sandy beaches of the river, enjoying themselves at will, they wandered in the land of Bharata.
Wandering they made worship of the Jina in villages, mines, cities towns accessible by land and water and making a series of offerings to obtain desires. Enjoying many pleasures, giving much money, delight
eir friends, slaying their enemies, showing on the road their skill in hitting moving targets, and often their skill in seizing the falling weapon of another, composing various tales of weapon against weapon and also humorous tales with their companions, they arrived one day at Astapada, which is an herb for removing hunger and thrist merely by its sight, the abode of punya.
When they saw the mountain made of crystal with great pools and thick green trees ... constantly visited by flying ascetics ... they asked the ministers, Subuddhi and others : “What mountain is this...? By whom was this wonderful, lofty shrine made ?...” Then the ministers said : "This was the pleasure mountain named Astapada of the