Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 199

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powder, suitable for the bath, are ready, bathe, O Master. Favor us.” Another said, “O Master, gratify my real sandal, camphor, musk, and yakşakardama-ointment by their use.” Another said, “O Jewel of the World, adorn our jeweled ornaments by putting them on your body. Show compassion." Another said, “Enter my house, Master, and purify fine garments pleasing to the body." Still another said, “Your Majesty, take from us a maiden like a goddess, O Lord. We are blessed from meeting you.” One said, “Enough of this going on foot even in sport. Do you, elephant of kings, mount this elephant that is like a mountain.” Another said, “Take my horses that are like horses of the sun. Why, by not accepting hospitality, do you make us useless ?” Another said, “Take chariots equipped with excellent horses. What, pray, are these to be used for, when the Lord is going on foot ?" Another said, "Accept these ripe mangoes from us, O Lord. Do not scorn (your) friends." Another said, “Accept from me these leaves of the betelvine and supāri-nuts.820 Be gracious, thou who alone are dear." Another said, “Have I committed some crime, O Master, since you do not answer me, as if you did not hear me ?” Even though urged in this way, the Lord did not take anything because of their unsuitability and went from house to house, like the moon from lunar mansion to lunar mansion.
Then Sreyāúsa, who was in his own house, heard the confusion of the citizens like that of birds at dawn. He asked the head door-keeper, “What is this?" and he replied, standing before him with folded hands, “He who is served by Indras as well as by kings with intense devotion, falling in front of his footstool, the ground
220 262. The chief ingredients of the pān-supārī, commonly spoken of as “betel” for the whole preparation. The areca nut with spices and lime is rolled in the betel-leaf. This is chewed after eating, and is presented at the close of all ceremonies.