Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 262

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across mud, water, stones, gravel, holes, and uneven ground and from plateaux, mountains, caves, and inaccessible spots; apparently moving in the sky, to judge from the slight track left on the ground; intelligent, well-trained, overcoming fatigue by the five gaits, 804 his breath fragrant as a lotus, named Kamalāpida.
The general seized the sword-jewel, like Yama the (naine-)paper of enemies, fifty fingers long, sixteen fingers wide, one-half finger thick, with a hilt of gold and jewels, its scabbard discarded, like a snake whose skin is discarded, sharp-bladed, very firm like a second thunderbolt, adorned with the clear colors of a row of variegated lotuses. With the sword-jewel, the general became like a winged king of serpents, like an armored lion. Waving his glittering sword, like a flash of lightning in the sky, the general urged on his war-like horse. Splitting a detachment of enemies, like the wind the water, Suşeņa entered the field of battle horseback. When Suşeņa began to hew down, some of the enemy were terrified like deer; some closing their eyes remained as they fell, like hares. Others remained standing, like tired antelopes; some climbed like monkeys to uneven ground. Of some the weapons fell like leaves of trees; of some the umbrellas fell on all sides like their glory. Of some the horses stood like serpents transfixed by a charm; of some the chariots were split as if made of clay. Some disregarded their own people as if they were strangers but, saving their own lives, the Mlecchas fled in every direction. Overthrown by Suşeņa, like trees by a stream of water, powerless, they retreated many yojanas. They came together in one place like friends and, after considering for a moment, went to the river
804 394. The Abhi. 4. 312-315 enumerates the 5 gaits of a horse : dhorita, like a mongoose, heron, peacock, or boar'; valgita, which seems to be 'gallop'; pluta or plangbana, resembling the gait of a bird or deer '; uttejita or recita, 'a gait with moderate speed'; utterita, or upakantha, or āskandita, jumping with all the feet as if in anger,' apparently bucking.
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