Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words

This page describes Conquest of the Sindhu by Sagara which is the fifth part of chapter IV of the English translation of the Ajitanatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Ajitanatha in jainism is the second Tirthankara (Jina) and one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.

Part 5: Conquest of the Sindhu by Sagara

Then the Cakrin went behind the cakra by the south bank of the Sindhu towards the east with his army which resembled the Sindhu flowing backwards.[1] Not far from the house of the goddess Sindhu, the King made a camp resembling a city of Gandharvas which had suddenly descended to earth. Putting the goddess Sindhu in his mind, the King made a three days’ fast, and the jeweled throne of the goddess Sindhu shook. She knew by clairvoyant knowledge that the Cakrin had come and, full of devotion, she approached him, bearing gifts. Standing in the air, she gave one thousand and eight jeweled pitchers like a deposit, two golden thrones variegated with gems and jewels, jeweled ornaments, armlets, bracelets, etc., and devadūṣya-cloths to the King. The goddess said,

“O best of kings, now I am dwelling in your country like a servant. Command me.” The King replied to her with words surpassing draughts of nectar, dismissed her, and broke his three days’ fast. As before, he made an eight-day festival to the goddess Sindhu. For on every occasion there are festivals from the powerful to the noble.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

I.e., the Sindhu flowed to the west.

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