Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 342

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CHAPTER ELEVEN on the arid earth mirages consisting of the sun's rays turning to water were visible to Udāyana's soldiers. Colliding with each other and rolling on the earth, the soldiers could see nothing at all, because of their thirst, like owls in the daylight. Then suddenly Udāyana called on the god Prabhāvati. When calamity has come, who indeed does not call on the favorite deity? Three lakes were filled with water, and the soldiers with delight, by the god who appeared as soon as called. Then the army drank the water and drank again and was restored. Without food it would be possible to live, but not without water. Then the god Prabhāvati went to her own abode and the king, lord of Vitabhaya, arrived at the city Ujjayini.
There through a messenger King Udāyana and the lord of Avanti soon made an agreement with each other for a chariot-fight. Udāyana, armed with a bow, mounted his war-chariot and made the bowstring resound like another war-drum. Pradyota, who knew that Udāyana was invincible in a chariot, mounted the elephant Anilavega. What is an agreement to a very strong man? Udāyana saw him mounted on the elephant and said: 'Wretch ! you are false to the agreement. Nevertheless, you shall not remain alive, villain. With these words, making his chariot advance rapidly in a circle, powerful Udāyana, smiling, advanced to fight.232 Best of bowmen, he pierced the soles of Anilavega's feet on all sides with sharp arrows. With the edge of his feet resembling the mouth of a cuspidor, the elephant was unable to walk and fell. Then Udāyana made Pradyota get down from the elephant, seized him by the hand, and bound him firmly, like a heap of glory. Then he branded on the forehead of the king of Avanti the words. • Husband of a slave-girl,' like a new glorification of his own.
After he had branded him like a slave, the lord of Vitabhaya went to Vidiśā to take the jewel of a divine image.
232 578. See Text Corrections,