Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 131

........ MAHĀVIRA'S WANDERING AS AN ASCETIC 91 the people rejoiced.
At that same time Bahulā was freed from slavery by the king. Indeed, souls capable of emancipation are freed from existence itself by the Master's favor.
After the Lord had broken his fast there, wandering over the earth, he came to the Dřờha-country which was inhabited by many Mleccha-families. Near the village Pedhāla in a garden Pedhāla he entered a temple made of palāśa, observing a three-day fast. Standing on a stone slab that was devoid of injury to living creatures, his arms hanging down to his knees, his body slightly bent, his mind firm, unwinking, his gaze fixed on one gross object, the Lord stood there in statuesque posture for one night long
Then Sakra in the council-hall Sudharmā surrounded by eighty-four thousand Sāmānikas, thirty-three Trāyastrinsas, the three divisions of councilors, four Lokapālas, Prakirņakas beyond number, eighty-four thousand body-guards with firmly bound girdles in each of the four directions, seven generals surrounded by armies, groups of gods and goddesses who were Ābhiyogyas, Kilbişikas, et cetera, 105 the protector of the southern half of the universe, was passing the time with amusements, the three kinds of musical instruments,106 et cetera, seated on Sakra's (own) lion-throne. Knowing by clairvoyance that the Blessed One was standing so, Śakra rose, removed his shoes, put on his upper garment, placed his right knee on the ground, bent the left one somewhat, and, his head touching the ground, paid homage to him with a sakrastava. 107
Śaśipati rose and, having coat of mail from hair raised on all his body from delight, said to the whole assembly:
“Sirs, all of you, highest gods living in Saudharma, hear the wonderful power of the Master, Sri Mahāvīra. Observing
105 167. These are servant gods.
106 168. There are conventionally 4 kinds of musical instruments. Abhi. 2. 200.
107 170. A sakrastava is a set formula of praise. It is given in the Pañcaprati., p. 33, sūtra 13.