Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words
This page describes Childhood which is the fifth part of chapter XI 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 5: Childhood
After this hymn of praise, Vāsava took the Lord of the World and put him down at Lady Vaprā’s side according to custom. At dawn King Vijaya held his son’s birth-festival with great joy accompanied by releases from prison, et cetera. While the Lord was in the womb, the city Mithilā was besieged by enemies and Queen Vaprā immediately ascended to the top of the palace. After seeing Vaprā, the enemy submitted to King Vijaya as the consequence of her embryo. For that reason the name Nami was given him. Tended by nurses appointed by Śakra, daily Naminātha grew like another moon.