Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
by K. C. Lalwani | 1973 | 185,989 words
The English translation of the Bhagavati-sutra which is the fifth Jaina Agama (canonical literature). It is a large encyclopedic work in the form of a dialogue where Mahavira replies to various question. The present form of the Sutra dates to the fifth century A.D. Abhayadeva Suri wrote a vritti (commentary) on the Bhagavati in A.D. 1071. In his J...
Part 3 - Thirty-three Gods of Śakrendra
Q. 41. Bhante! What is the position about Śakrendra, the Indra of the Devas, their king?
A. 41. Gautama! He has also thirty-three gods.
Q. 42. Bhante! What is the reason for this?
A. 42. Gautama! In that period, at that time, in Bharatakṣetra in Jambūdvīpa, there was a town named Palāśaka. There lived thirty-three followers who were mutually helpful. These thirty-three were and had always been men of noble outlook and noble conduct, ever cautious and ever alert, who lived on for many years, after which they reduced their bodies by month-long fast missing as many as sixty meals at a time, and in the end, after due confession and atonement, passed away while in a trance; these have been born as the thirty-three gods under Śakrendra, rest as before, till while one group checks out, another checks in, there being no vacancy at anytime.
Q. 43. Bhante! What about Īśānendra?
A. 43. Gautama! The position is similar to that of Śakrendra, except that in the present case, the thirty-three followers lived in the city of Campā.
Q. 44. And what about Devendra Sanatkumāra?
A. 44. Gautama! He too has thirty-three gods under him.
Q. 45. Bhante! How is it so?
A. 45. Gautama! What has been said of Dharaṇendra also holds good here, till the Indra in Prāṇata, till the Indra in Acyūta, till there is no vacancy at any time.
—Bhante! So they are. You are right.
Chapter Four ends.