________________
ANANTANATHACARITRA
mind of a Pisaca that you say such a thing, and is your master (the same) that he has such a thing said? Just as a child plays the part of a king at will in childish plays, so he, himself, deluded, plays the part of master. When was he, arrogant, endowed by us with lordship? If desire is measured by speech, why does he not become Indra? He, ignorant, has attacked me now with great royal power. Doubtless he will die like a fish (cast) on a bank by the tide. Go! Bring to battle your master who seeks tribute. I shall take by force his wealth like a slave, together with his life."
Battle between Purusottama and Madhu (155-191)
Thus addressed by Purusottama, he went away angry and related the whole speech, though hard to tell, to Madhu. Madhu was enraged just from hearing Sarngin's speech, like a sarabha by thunder. He had the battledrum beaten which had a terrifying sound, heard by the Khecaris who had covered their ears from fear. Surrounded by crowned kings, by very strong warriors, by generals, ministers, and other vassals, by soldiers bold in battle like other forms of himself, he set out like a god with a magic form. He disregarded evil omens and bad signs, proud of his arm, and went quickly to the boundary, as if drawn by the snares of death. Like Yama160 Šārngin came there at that time, attended by Soma, Suprabha, generals, and soldiers. Soldiers of both sides quickly approached the camels, impetuously took their armor, and twanged their bows. Suddenly a multitude (of arrows) flew up, causing destruction like a family of Rakṣases in the sky, eager to drink blood.
121
160 161. Pārāpatapaṇin. This is a surmise, as I can find no other occurrence of the word. The dove is a messenger of Nirṛti or Yama in the Vedas (Crooke, p. 373 and Macdonell-Keith 1. 137). I believe that is the point here. However, Muni Jayantavijayaji thinks the word means 'hawk,' which would be logical for the compound; but I think a comparison with Death is better here.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
