Jain Journal 1971 04

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

Page 43

The Pilgrimage to Satrunjaya and Other Holy Places
[The Prabandhacintamani (Wishing Jewel of Stories) by Merutunga was completed in 1306 A.D. It is quasihistorical-biographical work. Along with history it contains a motley collection of stories, legends and anecdotes associated with historical and literary personages. Life at the courts of the Indian princes, and especially the literary contests which were organised at these courts, are very vividly described. Here we reproduce the story of the pilgrimage of the great minister Vastupala who was also a great builder of temples. The Text has been translated by C.H. Tawney and published by the Asiatic Society, Calcutta in 1901. ]
Prabandhacintamani
Then, in the year 1277 V.S., the glorious Vastupala, the great minister, the great poet, the younger Bhoja, the neck ornament of the goddess of learning, began his great pilgrimage, in an auspicious time fixed by his teacher, having by him been solemnly consecrated as head of the congregation. When the sending of the god's portable shrine was being commenced, he heard in the southern quarter the voice of the goddess Durga. He himself investigated the matter to a certain extent, by the help of an interpreter of omens who understood such matters. He said, "Maruvrddha, explain the omen." Maruvrddha reflected that a sound was more important than a visible omen, and being asked about the occurance of the omen, when they had taken the shrine out of the city and placed it in the encampment, he said, "In danger of the road