Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 308

287
to Bahubali. In Bahali the warriors are devoted to the Is it the inherent characMaster, and the farmers also. ter of the country, or is it Bahubali's merit? Infantry, But the whole vassals, etc., may be bought by money. earth has become his wife gained by his merit. I think the Cakrin's army, even though large, is weak compared with the smaller army of Bahubali, like a heap of grass before a fire. Moreover, I fear even the Cakrin is inferior to the great hero Bahubali, like a young elephant to a sarabha. The Cakrin alone is reputed to be powerful on earth; Vajrin in heaven. The younger son of I think the Rṣabha is between them or above them. Cakrin's cakra and Vajrin's thunderbolt would be useless just from a slap of his hand. So, he is a bear seized by the ear, a serpent held in the hand, since we have made an enemy of mighty Bahubali, alas! We foolishly injured him by threats when he was contented with taking one district, like a tiger seizing one deer. What was lacking to the King through the service of many kings that this man was laid hold of for service like a lion for a wagon ? Shame on the ministers, thinking themselves friends of the master! Shame on us, also, who like an enemy treated the master with indifference in this matter! Shame on the messenger-service destroying merit. The people will say, 'The Lord's quarrel was started by Suvega who went alone.'" Thus reflecting unceasingly, in a few days Suvega, skilled in polity, arrived at the city Vinita.
Decision to go to war (210-262)
Led into the assembly by the door-keeper, he bowed with folded hands. The Cakravartin had him sit down, and questioned him considerately. Pray, is Bahubali, my younger brother, well? Suvega, I am disturbed because you have come back so soon. Or rather, dismissed by him, you have come quickly. That would be heroic conduct suitable to my powerful brother." Suvega said: "Your Majesty, not even a god is able to cause
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