Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 254

233 Bharata remained there comfortably, just as in Ayodhyā. For wherever a lion goes that place is his home.
March through Tamisrā (285-334) One day the King summoned the general and instructed him, “Open the double-door of Tamisrā.” Taking on his head the King's command like a wreath, the general went near Tamisrā and halted. Concentrating his mind on the god Kệtamāla, the general made a four days' fast. For all supernatural powers have their roots in penance. Then the general bathed and left the bath-house like a king-goose a pool, having wings in the form of white garments. Carrying in his hand a golden incense-burner like a toy golden lotus, Suşeņa sat at the door of Tamisrā. Then he looked at the doors and bowed. The great, even though possessing power, use conciliation first. Then he held a very splendid eight-day festival, an herb for the transfixing (with astonishment) of the Vidyādhara-women coming from Vaitādhya. The general designed out of whole rice the eight auspicious things which bring good fortune, like a conjuror a circle. The general took in his hand the Cakrin's staff-jewel, destroying enemies, like Indra's thunderbolt. Desiring to strike he withdrew seven or eight steps. Even an elephant desiring to strike withdraws a little. The general struck the double-door with the staff three times, making the cave give out a very loud noise, like a drum. The doors made of diamond, like eye-sockets of Mt. Vaitādhya, did open. Then the doors, opened by a blow with the staff, wept aloud, as it were, by their creaking.
The general reported to the King the opening of the doors, auspicious for a march of conquest of the northern divisions of Bharata. Mounting the elephantjewel, the King with a complete and powerful army went to Tamisrā, like the moon. The King took the gem-jewel by means of which, like the tying of the tuft