Vijyanandsuri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth

Author(s): Navinchandra Vijaymuni, Ramanlal C Shah, Shripal Jain
Publisher: Vijayanand Suri Sahitya Prakashan Foundation Pavagadh

Page 870

GOTÜATESVARA AS FOUND IN HARIVAMSAPURANA
Dr. Prem Chand Jain
Gommatesvara, also called Bahubali, was a son of Lord Rsabha, the first great world Teacher (in this avasarpini) who, after teaching his people the way of house-holder's life divided his kingdom among his sons. He made Bharata, his eldest son, his successor and took to asceticism to teach mankind the way of salvation. After long years, Bharata went out to conquer the world and become the first Emperor.
Subjugating all the countries in the six continents and subduing the kings one after another Bharata returned to Ayodhya, the imperial capital. The huge and victorious army marching through triumphal arches entered the high gates of the city. First the chariots rattled in; the elephants, swinging their trunks gracefully, moved on while the bells hanging on their sides sounded ding-dong; then the horses neighed and trotted into the city with raised heads; and then the infantry clad in armour majestically walked on with swords held up. Elaborate preparations were going on briskly to celebrate the victory of Bharata, King of Kosala and Emperor of sad-Khanda. The entire city was jubilant. The Emperor himself was immersed in great joy. The ministers seated in front of him were receiving instructions regarding the details of the celebration of victory. Just then the
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