________________
240 the news of the repair-work of at least one Jaina Temple every day. Besides, he did numerous charties in other directions also, he had 700 dāna-sālās (charity houses ) and 2000 dharma sālās (ins; rest-houses ) established at different places. Besides this also, Samprati Mahārāja had 11000 deep wells, and square paved wells, got prepared for the use of the general public. A living being who is eagerly attracted towards Riot Malati Jasmine flowers will not be satisfied with a Babula Tree with prickly thorns, a cãtaka gla# bird will not have its thurst quenched with water from a small muddy ditch. In the same manner Samprati Mlahārāja had an intense desire of spreading the Jaina Religion throughout the whole of India. He was always thinking of some plans for the spread of the noble Peligion.
:3:
Aster some time, Ācārya Mahārāja Su-hasti Sūri moving about from one place to another again went to Avantı Nagari. The Jaina Sangha had arranged for a Mahotsava-on the auspicions occasion of Consecration and Establishment of Pratimās (Images) of Jineśvaras in a Jaina Temple. A rathayātrā ( Carrying of Jina-prallinā in a silver chariot through different parts of the town) is a very important element during the Mahotsava. The chariot was not yoked with horses but it was being drawn by Śrāvakas (Jaina lay-men ) them. selves, samprati Mahārāja had invited all his feudatory princes on this great festival. When the chariot reached the royal palace, Saniprati Mahārāja and his feudatory princes worshipped the Jina Pratimā (the jewelled image of the Jinéśvara ) with astaprakāri pājā (worship with the undermentioned eight articles viz.
Ho Jala-water Washing the idol with scented-waters Riga. candana-anointing with sandal-paste mixed with saffron RA Kusuma.-Fragrant flowers 8 9. Dhūpa. Burning fragrant articles before image as an incense.” 176 Dipaka-Waiving a burining ghee-lamp in front of the image. & aqar. Akşata pujā--Arranging a svastika of rice--grains before the image.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org