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EMANCIPATION OF PARSVANATHA
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them with such bulbs, et cetera. You led the sadhus to the road and they taught dharma. After giving you the formula 'homage to the five,' they instructed you as follows:
'On one day in a fortnight you, staying in solitude, with all censurable activity given up, must recall this formula of homage. If some one should threaten you then, do not be angry at him. If you practice dharma in this way, the glory of heaven is not hard to attain.' You said, 'So be it.'
One day a lion approached you as you were doing just so and Srimati was at once afraid of him. Saying, 'Do not be afraid,' you seized a large bow, (but) you were reminded by Śrimati of the self-control advised by the guru. Then you, motionless, and noble Śrīmati were devoured by the lion and you became gods in Saudharma with a life-term of a palya.
After falling, you became the son of King Kurumṛgāńka and Balacandra in Cakrapuri in the West Videhas. Śrimati, falling from heaven, became the daughter of King Subhūṣaṇa, brother-in-law of Kurumṛgänka, and Kurumati. You two, Vasantasena and Sabaramṛgānka by name, gradually attained youth, living in your respective places. She fell in love with you from hearing your virtues; and you with her from the sight of a painting of her figure brought by an esteemed painter. You were married to her by your father, knowing your affection. Your father became an ascetic and you became king. At that time the karma originating in your Bhilla-birth, caused by separating animals, matured. Hear the full truth, noble sir.
In that same province, a powerful king, lord of Jayapura, named Vardhana, angry for no reason, said to you through agents: Send me Vasantasena and accept my command. In that case enjoy your kingdom; if not, fight with me.' Hearing that with anger, mounted on an elephant, you set out with an army for battle, being prevented by the people from seeing unfavorable omens. At that time King Vardhana, being defeated, fled; and a powerful king, named Tapta, fought with you.
You, your army destroyed by him who had defeated you,
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