Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words
This page describes Malli’s childhood which is the sixth part of chapter VI of the English translation of the Shri Mallinatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Shri Mallinatha in jainism is one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.
Go directly to: Footnotes.
Part 6: Malli’s childhood
After this ardent hymn of praise to the nineteenth Arhat, Śakra took her to Mithilā and laid her down near her mother. Because her mother had a pregnancy-whim to sleep on garlands, while she was still in embryo, the king gave her the name Malli.[1] Tended daily by five nurses appointed by Indra, she gradually grew up like a flower.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Malli means ‘jasmine,’ not ‘garland’; but the jasmine is very generally used in making garlands.