Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 3

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

Page 331

302
CHAPTER FIVE causing distress, disease, pestilence, et cetera. The people, knowing means, employed various means to allay them; but they did not subside at all, like submarine fire from water. But merely from the Blessed One becoming an embryo in Queen Aciră, these unfavourable conditions subsided. For the power of the Arhat has no limit.
Then in nine months, seven and a half days, on the thirteenth day of the dark half of Jyestha, the moon being in Bharani, the planets being in exaltation, Aciră bore a son, marked with a deer, gold color, like the east bearing the (deer-marked) moon. Then for a moment there was a light in the three worlds and comfort, never experienced before, to the hell-inhabitants.
Birth-rites (52-71) Then the seats of the Dikkumåris shook. They knew of the Arhat's birth by clairvoyant knowledge and rejoiced. Then the eight Dikkumāris from the Lower World came to the Arhat's house, bowed to the Jinendra and the Jinendra's mother according to rule. After introducing themselves to the queen and saying, “Do not be afraid," they cleared away the dust for a yojana with a whirlwind. Not too 'near and not too far from the Jinendra and his mother, they stood singing their virtues, like professional singers. The eight Dikdevis came from the Upper World, after the same ceremonies, created water, sprinkled the ground and stood singing in the same way. The eight goddesses came from east Rucaka, holding mirrors, bowed to the Jina and the Jina's mother, and stood in the east, singing. Eight goddesses came from south Rucaka, carrying golden vases, bowed to the Arhat and his mother, and stood in the south, singing. Eight goddesses came from west Rucaka, bowed to the Jina and Acirā and stood in the west, singing their virtues, holding fans. Eight goddesses' came from north Rucaka, bowed to them, and stood in the north, singing their virtues, holding chauris. Four Dikkumärikās