Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 366

345.
three marks of the cowrie-jewel, they reached the state of wearing the sacred thread. This was the custom under Bharata's rule, but Arkayaśas made a gold sacred thread because the cowrie was lacking. 888 Beginning with Mahāyaśas some made silver cords, others made them of silk thread, and others of cotton thread. This custom prevailed through the time of eight men from Bharata : Adityayaśas, Mahāyasas, Atibala, Balabhadra, Balavirya, Kirtivirya, Jalavirya, and Daņdavirya the eighth. By these kings half of Bharatakşetra was enjoyed completely and the Blessed One's crown, brought by Sakra, was worn on their heads. It could not be worn by the remainder because of its weight. For the load of an elephant can be borne only by an elephant, not by others. A disappearance of sādhus took place between the ninth and tenth Arhats, and this continued during seven intervals between Jinas. The Vedas, consisting at that time of praise of the Arhats and dharma for monks and laymen, were made ignoble later by Sulasā, Vājñavalkya, and others. 88
Now Bharata continued to spend the days in gifts to laymen, love-sport, and other amusements. One day, the Blessed One went to Mt. Aștāpada, purifying the earth with his feet, like the moon the heaven. The Lord of the World sat in a samavasaraņa made at once by the gods and delivered a sermon. That the Master of the World had come and was so engaged was reported to the Lord of Bharata by his agents who had returned
388 249. Only Cakravartins bad the cowrie-jewel
389 256. Sulasā here is probably the Sulasā of a story that occurs in Tri. 7. 2. 455 ff. A suitor of hers was defeated at her svayamvara by a rival through a trick. Whereupon he brought about his own death and was reborn as an Asura. He then knew by clairvoyant knowledge that Sulasā's husband had played this trick, and vowed revenge. With an ally, he gained power over the people by causing diseases, etc., and then curing them. He then persuaded them to adopt many ignoble practices, including animal sacrifices and eating of meat. Yājõavalkya is the reputed teacher of the White Vajūrveda and the law-giver.