________________
VASUDEVA'S MARRIAGE WITH KANAKAVATI
serpent-form and became a god with a dazzling form, wearing divine ornaments and garments. He said:
As
'Do not be depressed. I am your father, Niṣadha. At that time I gave you the realm and became a mendicant. a fruit of mendicancy I became a god in Brahmaloka. By clairyoyance I saw you reduced to this condition. I assumed the form of a snake by magic and produced this change of appearance in the limbs of you fallen into wretched state, like a boil on the cheek. Such a change in appearance in your limbs had been produced by me as a benefit. Consider it as a drink of pungent medicine. All the kings have been enslaved by you. They, your enemies, will not threaten you unrecognizable from the change in form, now. Do not carry out your wish for mendicancy now. The earth, as large as it is, must henceforth be enjoyed by you for a long time, Nala.
I shall tell you the proper time for mendicancy like an astrologer. Henceforth, be at ease. Son, take this bel fruit and this jewel-case. Guard them as carefully as your ethics of a warrior. When you desire your own form, break open the bel. You will see inside it unspoiled garments of devaduṣya. At the same time you should open the jewel-case. In it you will see very beautiful ornaments, necklaces, et cetera. If you put on the devaduṣya-garments and the ornaments, at once you will have your own form, the same one with a divine appearance.'
*MAY
Nala asked him, 'Father, is Davadanti, your daughter-inlaw, in the same place where I left her, or has she gone elsewhere?' The god told him the whole story of Bhaimi from that place up to her arrival at Vidarbha, describing her fidelity. He said to Nala: ' Son, why are you wandering in the forest? I shall take you to any place where you wish to go.' Nala said, God, take me to Susumarapura.' After doing so, the god went to his own abode.
6
137
Nala stood in the garden Nandana on the road near that city and saw a temple there that resembled a temple of the eternal Arhats. Entering that shrine, the hunchback saw inside
18 N
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
