Jain Journal 1973 04

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

Page 56

214
From his very birth, he had features ten, like sweatlessness, Free was he from fears seven, with all endeavour adorned. 281 Once two Carana monks, Sanjaya and Vijaya by name, Had doubts, which were dissolved, when they saw Vardhamana. 282 With their doubts gone, with respect quoth the monks"This boy will doubtless. become Tirthankara Sanmati." 283 What to speak of words with meaning, even those that had none, Except in the context Vira, acquired sense when applied to him. 284 The flaw in his renunciation was, the words that conveyed a distortion When applied to others, became meaningful when applied to him. 285 Deeply fond was he of merits, not of wealth nor of fame, Merit is valued most by those who have their tinges pure. 286 Kuvera kept him supplied well with divine objects of joy Consistent with his time, life and need, he made him enjoy, 287 At Indra's special bidding the finest things of heaven.
One day in his assembly, quoth as follows the Lord of gods, 288 "Virasvami at this moment is more powerful than even gods." On hearing which a god, Sangama, came to take a test. 289 Saw the god, in a forest-park in the company of many a prince, Wearing crow-black hairs, all of similar age, busy at play, 290 Was Vira, an embodiment of light, all were on the tree.
JAIN JOURNAL
To create terror, the god at once turned himself into a snake, 291 And the snake encircled the tree, from its root till the tip, All princes jumped down from where they were on the tree, 292 And all ran in confusion, which was but expected of 'em, Where there's a mighty fear, none but the great stands the same. 293 On a hundred tongues of the snake, dangling and terrific, Played prince Vira carefree, as if on the mother's cot. 294 This delighted the god, his joy rolling up and down,
God Sangama prayed, "Truly Mahavira (Great Hero) are ye." 295
Thus in autumns thirty, he spent his life of youth Karma-shroud of mati knowledge dropped the very next day, 296 Regained he knowledge of self, memory of previous birth, Just then the Laukantika gods came praying and prayed. 297 Then arrived all gods to celebrate his exit for initiation, With sweet words he pleased kinsmen, took leave of 'em all, 298 Then firm in vow, he sat on palanquin, Candraprabha its name, It was carried by kings of men, then by the Vidyadhara kings, 299 The kings of gods held it last, attended by camaras on sides both Arrived they to a forest, humming with the noise of bees, 300 Flowers were in blossom, as if they were laughing with joy, Twigs were red all around, heartily welcoming all. 301