________________
tinkling smali bells and excellent hanging flags, and powerful in crushing the strength of invincible enemies-moved on. Then, followed great warriors-with swords, bows, and discus in their hands, capable of tearing to pieces the warriors of the enemy, clever in devotion towards their master, competent in various stratagems, covetous only in acquiring victory, with inconceivable adventure, and armed with steel armours on their bodies.
Kings of Cola ( Koromandel coast) Lāta (country near the southern boundary of Narmudă river ), Mahārāstra (Deccan) Cutch, and Kalinga, leaving aside their other work only by the order of Prati vāsudeva Aśvagrîva, and becoming armed with steel armours and numerous weapons and renowned for their many victories, presented themselves for service before Ašva. grîva, with their entire armies.
39. When all preparations were completed, Prati-văsudāva had battle-drum beaten and the whole army consisting of foar parts commenced marching forth With the commencement of the march unbearable wind began to blow-the umbrella fall down and its staff broke down,-firebrands terrible with numerous particles of fire fell from the sky,-stars were seen during day-time,-there was a shower of blood.--there was lightning in a cloud-less sky,-the lordly elephant accidently fell down with a crackling nojse without any cause, -the tails of well-bred horses were burnt away by fire arising without any efficient cause, the flagstaff of the banner of victory broke down by itself, and the banner of victory fell down,--the temple-juice of elephants dried up,-the directions became pallid and hard to perceive by the constant showering of dust,-idols of gods began to shed tears,-pictures even began to redicule among themselves and dogs began to cry out loudly. Thus, there were several ill omens at that time. The wise ministers of the king, always desirous of prosperity, but afraid of experiencing an ill-boding misfortune in future, respectfully and bumbly entreated Prati-vāsudéva Ašvagriva thus:--" O lord | Your enemy
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
