Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 337

316
an ascetic who gazes at the sun. Standing as if about to fly by the power of the tip of the foot, he caught at once his elder brother as he fell, as easily as a ball. The joy of the armies at his protection quickly modified the depression that had arisen from the throwing-up of Bharata, like an exception modifying a general rule. The people praised the nobility of Rşabha's younger son because of the discernment resulting in the protection of his brother, as well as for the qualities of knowledge and good conduct. The gods showered flowers on Bāhubali, and yet—what importance is this to him possessing such heroism ?
Then Bharata was filled with: embarrassment and anger simultaneously, like a fire with smoke and flame. To remove his elder brother's embarrassment, Bāhubali said in a stammering voice, his lotus-face bent from shame, “Do not be embarrassed, O Lord of the World, very strong, very powerful. Sometimes even a conqueror is conquered by some one else by chance. You are not conquered because of such a thing; I am not a conqueror because of such a thing. I consider that my victory today happened like a letter in wood by a worm.368 Up to this time you alone are a hero, O Lord of the World. The ocean churned by the gods is still an ocean, not a pond. O Lord of six-part Bharata, why do you remain like a tiger that has missed his jump? Stand up! Stand up for the business of your fight.” Bharata said, “This arm, exhibiting its fist, will wipe out its fault." Then raising his fist, like the lord of serpents his hood, his eyes red from anger, after drawing back a little, the Cakrabhịt ran up. Bharata struck the King's chest with his fist, like an elephant the door of a city-gate with its tusk. The Cakrin's blow with his fist on the King's chest was as useless as a gift to an unworthy person, as a whisper
868 643. I.e., it would be only by chance that a hole made by a worm would have the shape of a letter.