Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

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

Page 168

CONQUEST OF BHARATAVARSA BY SAGARA
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to observe pausadha, thinking of Varadāman. At the end of the three days' fast, Sagara, the pauṣadha completed, mounted his great chariot which seemed to be cut from the sun. Sagara plunged into the ocean with the chariot till the water was up to the hub, like plunging into a churning of milk with the churning stick. Fastening the bow-string to the top of the bow, he made it hum, being heard by the sea-animals with drooping ears, distressed by fear.
Then the King drew from the quiver an arrow terrifying even to the terrifying, like a snake-charmer drawing a serpent from a hole. After he had set it on the middle of the bow, the King brought the arrow near his ear like a servant wishing to make a request. The Cakrabhṛt discharged the arrow at the house of the Lord of Varadāman, like Vajrabhṛt a thunderbolt at a mountain. The arrow, resembling an unexpected blow from a hammer, fell before the Prince of Varadaman who was present in the assembly. Saying, "Whose (name)-leaf has been turned up unexpectedly by Death?" the Lord of Varadāman himself got up and took the arrow. When he saw King Sagara's name, he grew quiet like a serpent at the sight of nagadamani.295
He explained to his assembly, "In Bharata of Jambudvipa, the second Cakrabhṛt, Sagara by name, has arisen. He is to be worshipped, with costly and varied garments and jeweled ornaments, like a divinity that has come to the house." Saying this, he took a respectful gift quickly and, standing in the air, approached the King in his chariot. He delivered to the King diadems, jewels, pearl wreaths, armlets, bracelets, etc., like a keeper of a treasury, and the arrow. The Lord of Varadāman said, "Henceforth, I shall be the executor of your commands even in my own country allotted (for rule) by Sakra." The King, knowing
295 99. Artemisia vulgaris, or wormwood, considered an antidote for snake-bite.