Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words
This page describes Third incarnation as Citragati which is the fourth part of chapter I of the English translation of the Neminatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Neminatha in jainism is the twenty-second Tirthankara (Jina) and one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.
Part 4: Third incarnation as Citragati
Now here in Bharata in the city Sūratejas, the ornament of the north row on Vaitāḍhya, there was a cakrin of Khecaras, named Sūra. Of him there was a wife, Vidyunmatī by name, like lightning of a cloud, a receptacle of affection beyond measure.
After completing his life, Dhana’s jīva fell from Saudharma and descended into the womb of Vidyunmatī, Sūra’s wife. When the time was full, queen Vidyunmatī bore a son full of auspicious marks, like the night of full moon bearing a full moon. On an auspicious day the father gave his son the name Citragati with a great festival bestowing delight. As he grew up in the course of time he absorbed all the arts under a teacher and reached youth like another Puṣpacāpa (Kāmadeva).