Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

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

Page 297

272
CHAPTER THREE
fearlessness to the fearful and proclaimed non-killing by beating of the drum. He made a splendid eight-day festival in each shrine together with eightfold *11 pūjās and divine concerts.
Birth of Purusasinha (56-58) Delighted by the pregnancy-whims which had been fulfilled, her face bright as a full moon, at the right time she bore a jewel of a son, like a vine bearing fruit. By proclamation the crest-jewel of kings gave petitioners whatever they asked, according to their desire, like a wishinggem. The King made a great festival, the moon to the ocean of the heart, and after that the townspeople held one also of their own accord, as if they were his family.
His youth (59–63) In accordance with the Queen's dream, the King gave the prince the charming name, Puruşasinha. Cared for by nurses, the prince gradually grew up quite in accordance with the wishes of mother, father, and subjects. He grasped all the arts like the full moon the digits, and he attained youth, the pleasure-grove of Makaralaksman (Kāma). Long-armed, he married eight princesses suitable for himself in beauty, the arts, and family. Dallying with them, the son of Vijayasena experienced pleasure of the senses at the proper moments, like a god with Apsarases.
Meeting with a sūri (64-78) One day like the spring-season in person, like Madhusakha (Kāma) in person, he went to a pleasure
411 55. Jala, candana, puşpa, dhūpa, dipa, akşata, naivedya, phala : water, sandal, flowers, incense, lamp (of ghi), rice, sweetmeats, fruit. I have not been able to find any Agania reference to the 8-fold pājā. It is perhaps a later development. It is a commonplace now. A ritual for such a pūjā is given in a pamphlet by Muni Vidyāvijaya, Sri Vijayadharma Sūri Aştaprakāri Pūjā. Muni Jayantavijayaji refers also to Ratnasekhara's Srăddhavidhi 1. 6.