Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 321

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(Laksmi). Before the image, the King burned incense, as if designing decorations of musk on its face by creepers of smoke. The Light of Kings took the light-vessel with its shining light, like a fire-pit filled with the fuel of all the karmas. After setting it (the light-vessel) down, the King bowed to Ādinātha with folded hands and began a hymn of praise as follows:
Stuti (397-404) “Even though of little wit, O Lord of the World, I am going to praise you, thinking myself a fitting person to do so. For the speeches of children, though stammering, are certainly suitable for elder persons (to hear). A creature, O God, who takes refuge with you, even though having heavy karma, attains emancipation. Verily, iron becomes gold from the touch of quicksilver. The creatures who meditate on you, praise and worship you, O Master, are blessed, and gain the fruit of mind, speech, and body. The dust of your feet, as you wander on earth, has become a great elephant for rooting up the tree of evil for men. O Lord, you alone are able to give the eye of discernment to creatures blind from birth from innate delusion. For those who are like bees to your lotus-feet for a long time, moksa is not far away, like Meru, etc., for minds. O God, from the words of your teaching, the snares of people's karma quickly fall to pieces, like jambu-fruit from rain-water.579 I ask this of you, O Lord of the World, after bowing to you many times by your favor, may my devotion to you be as imperishable as the water of the ocean."
After praising Adinātha in these words, bowing with devotion, the sun of kings left the temple. The King put on armor that had been made to measure, after loosening it
847 403. The jambū is probably the Eugenia Jambos, (not E. Jambolana). The fruit of E. Jambos is very delicate. It is ready to eat just before the heavy rains and is easily damaged by rain and hail,