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PADMAPRABHACARITRA
291 Birth ceremonies (39-41) The fifty-six Dikkumārīs came and performed the birth-rites. Then Sakra came and took the Lord to the top of Svarṇādri (Meru). Acyuta and the other Indras bathed the Lord, seated on Sakra's lap, all in turn in order of seniority like full brothers. Sakra, too, properly bathed the Lord placed on Išāna's lap, made a pâjā, etc., and recited a hymn of praise as follows :
Stuti (43-49) " In this saṁsāra without value, the sight of you, O god, is a well of nectar for people wandering for a long time in a desert. The unwinking eyes of the gods *85 had their purpose accomplished when they saw you unfatigued, unequaled in beauty. There was a light in perpetual darkness, comfort for hell-inhabitants. Indeed, that comfort was from you who have the form of a Tirthanātha. O god, because of the people's merit after a long time you lead to maturity the great tree of dharma by sprinkling it with the water of the canal of compassion. The lordship of the three worlds, the possession of three knowledges, were produced at your birth, like coolness in water. O lotus-colored, lotus-marked, with lotus-fragrant breath, lotus-faced, the home of Padmā (Sri) joined with a lotus, hail ! O Lord. This boundless ocean of samsāra always difficult to cross will become knee-deep now by your favor, O Lord. I do not desire the sovereignty over another heaven, nor dwelling in Anuttara, but I desire service to your lotus-feet.”
After this hymn of praise, Sakra took the Lord, went quickly, laid him at the side of Lady Susīmā, and went to heaven.
Life before initiation (51-56) Because his mother had a pregnancy-whim for a couch of lotuses while he was still in her womb and because of
486 43. The gods never wink.
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