Lalit Vistara

Author(s): Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society

Page 92

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LALITA-VISTAKA." The figures of this animal as shown in sculpture appears to Mr. "I'boobald as a rude and somewhat ideal representation of the read animal. (Vide my Buddha-Gays.) It should be added, however, that in sculptures delinenting Buddha's birth the animal shown is an orilinary clephant. In the Chinese version of Máya's dream it is said that " she thought she saw a six-tusked white elephant, his head coloured like a ruby (or rod pearl) descend through space and enter her right side." (Beal's Romantic Legend, p. 37.) The Burmese version omits tho six tusks. According to it " Opposite this mount, and facing the cave where Muia sat surroundod by her attens dants, rose another mount, where Phraalong, under the shape of young depliant, was roaming uver its sides in various directions. He was soon scen coming down that hill, and, asconding the ond where the princess lay on her bed, directing his course towards the cave. On the extremity of his trunk, lifted like a beautiful string of flowers, he carried a white lily. His voice, occasionally resound. ing through the air, could be heard distinctly by the inmates of the grotto, and indicated his approach. Ho soon ontered the cave, turned three times round the couch whereon sat the princess, then standing for a while, he came nearer, opened her right side, and appeared to conceal bimself in her womb." (Digandet, I, p. 29.) In Burmese inscriptions anil other records the six tusks are, however, frequently mentioned.
6. Patraguptas, p. 75. The word means "protected by their wings," but to what particular specics of bird the term is applied I cannot make out.
7. Kunilas, p. 75. I have failed to identify this bird also. It may be the Munál pheasant.
8. Jívar, Jivakas, p. 76. This is obviously a misleotion of Jívay.. jíva which means the Chaköra or Groek partridge.
9. Panava, p. 75. A percussion instrument closely resembling, if not identical with, the Vány of our times. It is thus described in, the Sangita-náráyaņa. It is made of earth or metal, about 4 cubit in length and of the shape of a Dbatura flower, the mouth being about half a cubit wido. The mouth is covered arith goat skin held in position with thongs or lempen cords. On the middle of the skin is applied a paste to give the proper tone, and it is played upon with tho middle finger of the left baud. This description applies inc