Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 239

HERESY OF JAMĀLI, DEATH OF GOŚĀLA
He said: " Do not weep, mother. Let your son stay (here). I shall paint the painter-eating Yakṣa." The old woman said, "My dear, you are my son, also." He said, "Mother, I being so, let my brother be safe."
At the proper time after observing a two-day fast and bathing, anointed with sandal, his face covered with an eightfold veil of pure cloth, the painter Dāraka painted him with new brushes and the best colors. Bowing to the Yakṣa, he said:
'Surapriya, best of gods, who, even the most skilled, is able to make a painting of you? Who am I, foolish, a poor wretch? Nevertheless, I did it according to my teaching, right or wrong, king of the Yakṣas. Pardon it, O you are capable of blame or favor."
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Delighted by this speech of his, the essence of respect, the Yakşa said, "Choose a boon," and the painter chose as follows: O God, if you are pleased with wretched me, now let this be the boon: In future people must not be killed." The Yakṣa said: "That is accomplished, since you have not been destroyed. Choose something else, sir, connected with accomplishing your own wishes."
The painter said again: "If you keep away the pestilence, master, my desire is fulfilled by such measure."
Astonished, the Yakṣa said: "I am pleased very much by your request for a boon for others. Choose a boon for yourself."
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The painter said: "If you are pleased with me, god-if I see one part of any two-footed or four-footed creature or anything else, may I have the power to paint its form, just as it is, according to the one part." "Let it be so," told by the Yakṣa and fêted by the townsmen, he went to Kauśāmbi subject to King Satānika.
There one day Satānika, present in the assembly, proud because of his wealth, said to his messenger, What do other kings have that I do not have?" Told by the messenger, You do not have a picture gallery," the king gave orders to
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