Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 87

MAHĀVIRA'S FIRST SIX YEARS AS AN ASCETIC 47 and thirst, even with the money given by the trader. The bull died and became I, Śūlapāņi, a god. I kill you all because of that enmity. Remember that.'
When they had heard that, again busied with throwing incense to him, rolling on the ground, miserable, they said again: 'Nevertheless, pardon that sin of ours and be appeased. We have taken refuge with you; we have no other refuge.'.
Somewhat appeased by their speech, the Vyantara said: Now gather these human bones in a pile. Erect a temple on top of it and inside it install on high a statue of me in the form of a bull. If you do this, I will grant you life, but not otherwise.'
The Lord and Śūlapāņi (111-146) The villagers did just as he said, very carefully. The village appointed a priest, Indraśarman by name, of Sūlapāņi, having prepared much money for him. From that time on the village was called Asthika by the people because of the heap of bones here, though its name was Vardhamāna. If any tired travelers stay in this temple at night, Sūlapāņi kills them during the same night, like Kștānta. The people and his priest, Indraśarman, stay here during the day, and go to their own homes in the evening. So it is not suitable for you to stay here."
After telling this, each one offered the Master a house. The Master did not accept but asked for the Yakşa's temple. Permitted by the villagers, knowing that the Vyantara was worthy of enlightenment, the Lord stood in statuesque posture in a corner of his temple. In the evening, when he had finished the time of incense, the Vyantara's priest, Indraśarman, dismissed all the travelers and said to the Blessed One: “Devārya, do you also leave this temple. For this cruel Vyantara will be the death of you in the night.” The Master remained silent and the Vyantara thought: “Oh! Some one who wishes to die has come to my temple. Even though warned by the village and my priest time and again, this arrogant man has