Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 77

MAHAVIRA'S BIRTH AND MENDICANCY
32
of the World, a yati by nature, adorned with ornaments, constantly practicing kāyotsarga, devoted to chastity, deprived of baths and unguents, engaged in pure meditation, maintaining life by food free from faults of acceptance 70 and free from life, noble-minded, somehow or other passed a year as a house-holder.
Told by the Lokāntika-goods, “ Found a congregation,” the Master gave gifts—whatever they desired—to petitioners for a year. The initiation-ceremony of Sri Vira was held fittingly by the gods, Sakra and others, and by the kings, Nandivardhana and others. Consumed by grief, like the Moon by Rāhu, at separation from his brother, then Nandivardhana gave orders to his men somehow or other:
“Make the finest palanquin with golden pillars and balconies like an assembly-hall of the gods, adorned with pearl-svastikas like the sky with stars, with a golden throne inside like the slope of Meru with the sun, with a tinkling row of little bells like a younger sister of Pālaka, 71 with a flag waving like Gangā with high waves, fifty bows long, thirty-six bows high, and twenty-five bows broad, named Candraprabhā, suitable for the throne of Śri Vira.”
Quickly they made the palanquin just so. Indeed, an object may be (produced) by the command of kings as well as by a thought of the gods. Then Sakra had just such a palanquin made and they, equal, shone with equal splendor like twins. Then by the power of the gods the second palanquin became inside the first instantly, like a river within a river. The Lord circumambulated the palanquin, got in it, and adorned the lion-throne provided with a foot-stool. Wearing auspicious white garments, the Lord looked like the moon with moonlight and like another wishing-tree with his ornaments. When the Lord was seated, facing the east, all the attendants on his
70 160. Eşaniya. See the list of the 47 faults to be avoided in regard to alms. I, n. 17; Uttar. 24.11.
71 173. Indra's car.