Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words
This page describes Introduction (king Janaka, son of Vasavaketu and Vipula) which is the first part of chapter IV of the English translation of the Jain Ramayana, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. This Jain Ramayana contains the biographies of Rama, Lakshmana, Ravana, Naminatha, Harishena-cakravartin and Jaya-cakravartin: all included in the list of 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.
Part 1: Introduction (king Janaka, son of Vāsavaketu and Vipulā)
Now in the city Mithilā there were a king in the Harivaṃśa, Vāsavaketu by name, and his wife, Vipulā. Their son, with no less glory, became king, Janaka by name, like a father (janaka) of his subjects, famous on earth.