Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

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

Page 91

66
CHAPTER TWO
A pavilion was covered with curtains, thick with many folds, impenetrable by the sun's rays as if from fear of the King's command. Here and there plantain-pillars shone brightly, spreading a lotus-bed in the sky, as it were, with the flower-calyxes. Conservatories with various flowers were made, which were resorted to by Sri unweariedly, like a charmed bee. The pavilion was filled with seats characterized by down, filled with cotton, and made of wood, 109 like the sky filled with stars. The King's pavilion was made in this way instantly by his ministers, like Sakra's car by the Abhiyogika-gods.
Men and women, carrying auspicious objects in their hands, went there joyfully and were seated in their proper places by the door-keepers. The ministers bestowed saffronointment, flowers, and betel 110 on them with respect, as if they were their own brothers. The best auspicious, musical instruments were played with sweet sounds ; auspicious speeches of high-born women arose on all sides. Pure recitations of charms of Brāhmans were in evidence ; and songs in vardhamānā and other meters were commenced by the musicians. The cry of “Hail ! Hail !” was made by panegyrists in tune, and the pavilion sang also, as it were, with the loud echoes of the cry.
The King gave the name Ajita to his son, because "While he was in the womb, his mother was not beaten by me in gambling with dice. The King gave the pure name Sagara to his brother's son with a great festival just as in the case of his own son.
The King attained unbroken bliss, as if immersed in nectar, observing the princes who were marked by hundreds of favorable marks, eager for the task of supporting the earth, like extra arms of his own.
109 572. I.e., there were 3 grades of seats.
110 575. At the present time entertainments, public and private, are concluded by passing betel and small bouquets. Instead of saffronointment a touch of attar is placed on each guest's hand.