Book Title: Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs
Author(s): P B Desai
Publisher: Jain Sanskruti Samrakshak Sangh Solapur

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Page 326
________________ 800 JAINJSX IN SOUTH INDIA vallabha (favourite Lord of the Goddess of Fortune and the Earth), Chalukyabharaṇa (an ornament of the Chālukya race), etc., is ruling the kingdom from his residence at Pottalakere in the third year of his reign which was the cyclic year Vikrama. Verse 10. How splendid is the appearance of the Kuntala country on the surface of the earth on account of the overflow of joy among the people endowed with abiding happiness resulting from the efficient - administration of the king, with its pleasing hamlets, charming villages, prosperous towns and imposing cities! Verse 11. In this country fascinating to the eyes is the district of Aral, delightful with its rivers, mountains, lakes, groves and gardens and be decked with villages and towns inhabited by wealthy subjects. This tract is the native place of the Goddess of Prosperity presiding over the kingdom of the princes born in the Ahihaya lineage. Verse 12. Furthermore, this region is exceedingly graced with sacred spots, magnificent temples dedicated to the deities and flower ponds situated at every stage. Verse 13. How attractive is the region by virtue of its inhabitants indulging in all kinds of pleasures, assiduously pursuing respectable avocations and engaged in performing manifold meritorious acts ! Verse 14. One cannot adequately describe this region which has attained such a distinction by its eminence in the eyes of the world. Verse 15. In this region stands the town of Sādimba fittingly grace. ful with its innumerable temples on account of which it is mocking as it were the city of the immortals. Verse 16. With the fortifications rubbing against the heavens, the excavations of its ditch fathoming the nether world and the eminence of its natural splendour pervading the quarters and their intermediate space, the aitadel of Sõdimba is indeed a source of head-ache to the aggressive adversary! Verse 17. In times of yore the extensive forest of Khāņdava was destroyed by Nara (Arjuna, a man); the impregnable island of Lankā was consumed to flames by a Vānara (Hanumān, a monkey); the Three Cities (Traipura) were reduced to ashes by a spark of fire springing from an incensed ascetic fi. e., Siva). But lo I unique is the privilege of this citadel of Sēļimba, which is waxing ever stronger with its over-bearing splendour, defying any assault, a creation of the immortal hand as it were ! Verse 18. It was built in three tiers one above the other; its massive ramparts were sevenfold; it had eight bastions; eight hundred millions of demons were guarding it day and night; the terrific ocean itself comprised its

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