________________
CHAPTER III VASUDEVA'S MARRIAGE WITH KANAKAVATI
AND HER FORMER INCARNATIONS
Now in this same Bharata there is a city, PeŅhālapura, which resembles a city of the Vidyādharas, a depository of all marvels. In this city the breeze from the blooming housegardens is a source of delight, a perfumer for scenting the young men's garments day and night. There the girls threw up their hands from fear for their ivory ear-ornaments because of the constellations reflected in the jeweled pavements of their houses at night. Waving banners, like serpents 86 guardians of the houses, are seen on its houses containing treasure with raised flags.87 All of its inhabitants are thoroughly imbued with firm belief in the religion of the Jina, like cloth with indigo-dye.
Kanakavati's parents (6-13) Hariscandra was king in this city, spotless as the moon with good qualities, like a younger brother of Bidaujas because of his wonderful magnificence. The Sris continually submitted to slavery to the arched eyebrow of him who was firmly established in victory over the senses, who possessed wisdom and power. His glory, as if in rivalry with unlimited wealth, became boundless and spread unhindered over the earth. His name was hymned by goddesses and Vidyadharis on the plateaux of Vaitādhya because of his spotless glory.
His chief-queen, dearer than life, beautiful, was named Lakşmīvati, like Vişnu's Lakşmi. Because of her good conduct, modesty, affection, cleverness, and good breeding she was moonlight for the delight of the night-bloomig lotus of her husband's mind. Speaking to her husband in a voice gentle
86 4. Proverbial guardians of treasure. 87 4. I.e., flags indicated the number of crores the owper possessed,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
