Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

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

Page 90

65
BIRTH OF AJITA AND SAGARA
augmented by saffron-ointment like rivers by the pollen of a bed of blooming lotuses, their eyes downcast as if observing carefulness in walking, adorned with ornaments shining like their own good behavior, came there carrying in their hands full dishes of flowers and dūrvā-grass.
Some vassal-kings filled dishes with beautiful pearls like unhusked rice and came to the King's festival. Others who were very wealthy brought collections of jeweled ornaments to Jitaśatru, like gods to Satamanyu. Some again brought priceless fine, soft cloths that seemed to be woven from plantain- or lotus-threads. Others presented the King with a heap of gold resembling treasure deposited by Jṛmbhaka-gods. Some brought many elephants in must, haughty as if they were the crown princes of the elephants of the quarters. Other kings brought horses excelling in speed, like brothers of Uccaiḥśravas, like younger brothers of the horses of the sun. The courtyard of the palace, though extensive, became impassable from gift-vehicles to the King, like the heart from negligence. The King accepted these gifts to please them. For what is lacking to one whose son is the god of gods himself?
At the King's command big platforms, like palaces of the gods, were made at every step in the city. At every shop and house there were festoons with jeweled dishes, as if placed by Jyotiska-gods who had come from curiosity. On every road the ground was sprinkled with saffronwater to lay the dust, like an anointing of the earth indicating auspiciousness. At every step plays, at every step concerts, at every step sounds of musical instruments were made joyfully by the citizens. For ten days the King had the city hold a great festival, during which it was free from custom-duties, free from fines, free from entrance of soldiers, free from taxes.
The name-giving festival (568-580)
On an auspicious day the King instructed his ministers in regard to the name-giving festival of his son and nephew.
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