Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

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

This page describes Birth ceremonies of Padmaprabha which is the fifth part of chapter IV of the English translation of the Padmaprabha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Padmaprabha in jainism is one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.

Part 5: Birth ceremonies of Padmaprabha

The fifty-six Dikkumārīs came and performed the birth-rites. Then Śakra came and took the Lord to the top of Svarṇādri (Meru). Acyuta and the other Indras bathed the Lord, seated on Śakra’s lap, all in turn in order of seniority like full brothers.

Śakra, too, properly bathed the Lord placed on Īśāna’s lap, made a pūjā, etc., and recited a hymn of praise as follows:

Stuti:

“In this saṃsāra without value, the sight of you, O god, is a well of nectar for people wandering for a long time in a desert. The unwinking eyes of the gods[1] had their purpose accomplished when they saw you unfatigued, unequaled in beauty. There was a light in perpetual darkness, comfort for hell-inhabitants. Indeed, that comfort was from you who have the form of a Tīrthanātha. O god, because of the people’s merit after a long time you lead to maturity the great tree of dharma by sprinkling it with the water of the canal of compassion. The lordship of the three worlds, the possession of three knowledges, were produced at your birth, like coolness in water. O lotus-colored, lotus-marked, with lotus-fragrant breath, lotus-faced, the home of Padmā (Śrī) joined with a lotus, hail! O Dord. This boundless ocean of saṃsāra always difficult to cross will become knee-deep now by your favor, O Lord. I do not desire the sovereignty over another heaven, nor dwelling in Anuttara, but I desire service to your lotus-feet.”

After this hymn of praise, Śakra took the Lord, went quickly, laid him at the side of Dady Susīmā, and went to heaven.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

The gods never wink.

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