Vasudevahimdi Madhyama Khanda Part 1

Author(s): Dharmdas Gani, H C Bhayani, R M Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 36

Introduction
mane. Taking a few friends with him, V. immediately visited that cave, He approached the girl and tried to pull her by the hand, when the lion got up and pounced upon him. V. seized him by the mouth and threw him down. He caused him to get up with a kick, and then holding him by the ears, he beat down his (i. e. the lion's) neck and at the suggestion of his companions, mounted on his back. At that moment a heavenly voice said “You have mastered the Vidyās called Simhamukhi, Gauri and Gän. dhari, since a Great man rode on you.” (p. 208).
Flowers rained on them from above. Suspecting now that perchance it was not a natural lion, V. got down aod let the lion go. Immediately the lion got transformed into a Vidyadhara. He introduced himself as the Vidyadhara king Harivega, and thanked V. for helping him to master the Vidyas by riding on him. Shortly Harivega's wife, son and other Vidvä. dharas arrived. Harivega performed the worship of Rşabha, Dharana and the presiding deities of the Vidyās. A grand feast was arranged When the dinner was over, Harivega narrated to V. his account as follows: (p. 210).
i am Harivega, son of Ajitavega ruling at Amaranandana. Suvega ruled over Gagananandaņa. He was a devout Jain, while I was a nonbeliever. We were enemies. Suvega crowned his son and then renounced the world. Once while going towards the southern Bharata, I saw belon Suvega practising austerities on the mount Aștāpada. I made to attack him, when the Serpent king Dharana saw me and punished me by depriviog me of the Vidyās. At that moment Suvega attained the Absolute Knowledge. Op my appeal for mercy, Dharana restored to me the minor Vidyas. He also told me that I will get back the major Vid, as, then only when, engaged in the rites of propitiating the Vidyās, some Great Man would ride on my back. My fortune-teller informed me that I was destined to get back my kingdom through Vasudeva, who would also become my son-in-law. He also told me about your present whereabouts, and suggested the stratagem of assuming the form of a lion, in order to induce you to ride. It was I who, through the power of Vidyā, caused Pota's heart-ache so as to delay your departure. I now request you to accept my daughter Harikānta's hand. V. accepted the offer. The wedding ceremony was performed. Harivega left for his city, taking Harikāntā with him. V. promised to visit them shortly. V. along with Pota and other friends returned to Kosala (p. 215)
XV Winning of Kanakavati
(pp. 216-258) Once during the night V. was awakened from sleep by some unknown