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CHAPTER IV
CONQUEST OF BHARATAVARṢA BY SAGARA
The appearance of the cakra (1-28)
Now, the cakra-jewel, named Sudarśana, arose in King Sagara's armory, its rim made of gold, its spokes of lohitakṣa; wreathed with a circlet of small bells of variegated gold and jewels; possessing a joyful sound; adorned with spotless gems and pearls; with the hub made of diamond; beautified with a row of little bells; 286 adorned with wreaths of flowers of all the seasons; anointed, standing in the sky, attended by a thousand Yakṣas.
When he saw it appear, terrible with a wreath of flame like the disc of the sun, the superintendent of the armory bowed to the cakra. After he had worshipped the cakra with various wreaths of flowers, delighted, he went quickly and reported to Sagara. Sagara instantly abandoned his lion-throne, foot-stool, and shoes, just as at the sight of a teacher. After taking a few steps, setting the cakra in his mind, he bowed to it. For the ones who live by weapons make divinities of weapons. When he had taken his seat on the lion-throne, he gave all the ornaments on his body as a present to the man who announced the appearance of the cakra. Then the King took an auspicious bath with pure water and put on divine ornaments and garments. The King went on foot to worship the cakrajewel. For approach on foot is superior to a pūjā even. He was followed by kings, running, stumbling, falling from excessive haste, going on foot like servants. He was followed by men, though unsummoned, carrying the
286 3. Apparently it had a circlet of bells around the rim and another on the hub.
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