Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 343

STORIES OF RAUHIŅEYA AND OTHERS 303 After he had made pūjā and had bowed to it, the king approached the divine image to take it, but it remained immovable just like a mountain. After worshipping the god of gods in every detail, Udāyana said, “Am I ill-fated that you do not come, Supreme Lord?' The god said: “Do not grieve, king. The city Vitabhaya will become a desert from a rain of sand. Therefore, I will not go, noble sir.' Having received this information from the god, Udāyana returned; and his progress was delayed, (as it was) in the midst of the rainy season. There the king established a camp that was very much like a town. For wherever kings dwell, there is a town. Ten kings made a wall of earth for their protection and then the camp became a city named Daśapura.
Udāyana treated Pradyota, a prisoner of war, like himself in regard to food, et cetera. Such is the duty of a warrior. One day during the Paryusaņā festival, Udāyana, an advanced layman, was observing a fast by command of the god. So the cook asked Pradyota, What will you eat today, king?' When he heard that, the lord of Avanti was suspicious and thought: Truly this question, never asked before, does not give me pleasure today. This sarcastic speech indicates death, bonds, and things of that kind.' He asked the cook: ‘What is the reason for the question today? For the meal has always come at the right time, as if brought by a charm.' The cook replied: - King, today is the Paryuşaņā festival. Our master, the harem, and the attendants have to fast. You always had to eat whatever meal was prepared for the king. Now I shall prepare it for you, so I asked you about it.' Pradyota said: 'Cook, let me also fast today. It is a good thing that this festival has been made known. My parents are lay-disciples.'
The cook reported this speech of Pradyota's to Udāyana who said: “That villain knows the art of courtesans. If he, whatever kind of person he is, remains in prison, Paryusaņā will not be auspicious for me.' Saying this, Udāyana released him. Udāyana asked pardon of Pradyota, as suitable for