Part 7: Conquest of Tamisrā by Bharata

Then the cakra-jewel started out in the direction of the cave Tamisrā. The King followed it as if it were a pathfinder. When he had reached the vicinity of Tamisrā, the King settled the soldiers in dwellings, as if the cities of the Vidyādharas had descended to the foot of the mountain. Concentrating his mind on the god Kṛtamāla, the King made a four days’ fast, and the deity’s throne shook. He knew from clairvoyant knowledge that the Cakravartin had arrived, and he came to worship him as if he were a guru who was a guest after a long time. Saying, “O Master, I am like a door-keeper of yours at this door of Tamisrā,” he accepted service to the great King. He bestowed on the King the very best collection of divine ornaments, of which the tilaka is the fourteenth, suitable for the woman-jewel. He gave the King wreaths, and divine garments suitable for him, as if they had been laid aside for him in advance from zeal. The King accepted all that. Kings, even though their desires are accomplished, do not abandon tribute from (all) quarters, the cognizance of the Śrī of conquest in all directions. After talking with him with great graciousness, Ārṣabhi dismissed him like a teacher a pupil at the end of his studies. He broke his fast together with powerful monarchs, who were like parts of his own body that had become separated, eating from dishes placed on the ground in front of them. He held an eight-day festival for the god Kṛtamāla. What will lords, gained over by submission, not do?