Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

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

Page 44

PREVIOUS INCARNATION AS VIMALAVĀHANA
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He got up from the lion-throne, respectful as before, and gave his arm to his father who wished to rise to take the vow. Supported by his son who considered himself as insignificant as a door-keeper, he went to the bath-house adorned with many pitchers. The chief of kings bathed himself with water flowing from dolphin-mouthed golden pitchers, resembling rain-water. Then the King dried his body with a soft cloth and anointed it with gośirşa-sandal. The King's abundant hair, dark as the leaves of the blue lotus, with flowers in it like a cloud with the moon inside, was arranged by experts. The King then put on two auspicious divine garments, flowing, spotless, transparent, of beautiful quality like himself. Then he, who was the crown of kings, had his jeweled, golden crown, which his son had brought, placed on his head. He, ornamented by virtues, put other ornaments also, such as a necklace, armlets, and ear-ornaments, on his body. Like another kalpa-tree he gave to beggars the jewels, gold, silver, garments, and anything else they desired.
Then the elephant of men got into a palanquin that required a hundred men to carry it (naraśatodvāhyā), like Naravahana (Kubera) getting into the aerial car Puspaka. King Vimalavāhana, the abode of merit, resplendent with a white umbrella and chauris as if attended by the three jewels that had come in person immediately; awaking delight in men by the great tumult of bards and the loud sound of musical instruments like two friends meeting; having the beautiful appearance of the sun with the planets from the distinguished vassal-kings hastening in the rear, at the sides, and in the front; adorned by his son going in front like a door-keeper, turning his head like a lotus turned on its stalk, seeking orders; seeing in turn auspicious things being made by townswomen here and there with full dishes and pitchers; purifying the king's highway crowded with hundreds of bright platforms,
34 233. Guna, primarily 'thread,' of course, when applied to cloth.