Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

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

Page 261

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CHAPTER FIVE
dawn by an auspicious noise, Rama saw the magnificent city and the Yakṣa carrying a lute. He said to the astonished Rama: "Master, you are my guest. I am a Yakşa, Gokarna, and I made the city for you. Remain here comfortably, served day and night by my attendants and myself, as long as you like, master."
Thus urged by him, Rāma remained there comfortably with Sītā and Saumitri, served by the Yakṣa's men.
Now the Brahman Kapila came to this great forest one day, when he was roaming about for fuel, et cetera, carrying an axe. He saw the city and thought to himself in astonishment, "Is this an illusion, or sorcery, .or a mirage?" He saw there a Vakṣiņi in human form, wearing beautiful clothes and ornaments, and asked her, "Whose is this new city?" She replied: "This new city was made by the Yakṣa Gokarna for Rāma, Sită, and Saumitri. It is named Ramapuri. Here Rāma gives money to the poor and such persons, an ocean of compassion. Every suffering person who comes here has his wishes gratified.
"
Abandoning his load of fuel and falling at her lotusfeet, he said, "Tell me, faultless lady, how I can see Rama." She said: "In this city there are four gates and they are guarded constantly by Yakṣas. Entrance to these is hard to obtain. If you go to the east gate, after paying homage properly to the shrine there and after becoming a layman, then you can obtain admission." According to her speech, Kapila, seeking money, went into the presence of sadhus, honored the sadhus, and listened to religion from them. He became a layman, purified because of light karma; went home, and made a laywoman of his wife by teaching her religion.
Consumed by poverty from birth, they went to Rāmapuri to ask Rama for money and bowed to the shrine. The Brahman was greatly terrified, when he entered the palace and saw Maithili, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa, recalling the abuse he had given. Saumitri, compassionate, said to him wishing to escape, "Do not be afraid, Brahman.