Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 3

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

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dried up at once; the pools were like pools in the month of Jyaiṣṭha, and the mud like that in autumn. Then the elephant made water, as if terrified of death, and gave a harsh cry, and did not hold his head erect. A rain of dust, a rain of blood, the sight of a constellation by day, the fall of a meteor, a flash of lightning-these portents took place. The dogs lifted up their faces and howled miserably; hares appeared, and kites wheeled in the sky. Ravens croaked and vultures spread out overhead, and a dove perched on the banner.59 There were such unfavorable omens.
CHAPTER ONE
Aśvagrīva paid no attention to the bad portents and unfavorable omens, but was unhindered from starting out,60 as if drawn by Yama's noose. He was surrounded by Vidyadharas whose fortitude was gone, and by princes who were not eager for battle, like slaves who had been brought by force, even though they were free. In a few marches he arrived with a complete army at Mt. Rathāvarta by which the turning of chariots is made. At Aśvagrīva's command the Vidyadhara-forces camped on the ground at the foot of that mountain resembling Mt. Vijayāḍhya.61
Now in Potanapura, the best of Vidyadharas, Jvalanajațin, said to Balabhadra and Bala's younger brother:
"There is no rival whatever to you in natural power. Timid from affection-for affection produces fear even in unsuitable places-I say this. Hayagriva with head erect (udgrīva) is arrogant from his vidyās, powerful, fiery, victorious in many battles. By whom is he not to be feared? Without vidyas you are not inferior to Hayagriva. Nevertheless, I greatly wish for you to be able to kill him. You must make some effort here for acquiring vidyās in
59 569. The dove is the messenger of Nirṛti or Yama (divinities of death). Crooke, p. 373. For Vedic references see Macdonell-Keith.
60 570. Also, 'from death.'
61 573. Another name for Vaitāḍhya. See K. p. 223. Used here, of course, for its meaning, 'rich in victory.'