262 ACCOUNT 01? 



Thus it is truth, that time and age gradually re- 

 volve for ever ; yet no decay or destruction arises 

 hence to the universe, and its various worlds, to the 

 earth, to spirits, and to souls ; but the mortal bodies 

 of mankind and Dhatas perish, while the Vimanas * 

 endure. 



HISTORICAL ANP LEGENDARY ACCOUNT 



OF 



BEXLIGOLA, 



COMMUNICATED BT THE HIGH PRIEST AT THAT STATION, 



JLN ancient times, an image was at this place, self 

 formed from earth, under the shape of Gomat I's'wa- 

 BA Swa'mi, which Ra'vana, the monarch of the 

 Racshases, worshipped to obtain happiness. After 

 many ages were elapsed, and on the access of the 

 present age, a king of the southern dominions reigned, 

 named Raciiamalla. His minister of finance was 

 named Chamunda-Ra'ya, who was remarkably de- 

 vout in the performance of the religious duties of the 

 Jains. It was reported to him, by a travelling mer- 

 chant, that there was, in the city of Padifianabh-pura, 

 an image of Gomat I's'wara Swa'mi. On hearing 

 this relation, he made a vow, before all the people, 

 not to drink milk, until he saw the image of Gomat 

 IsVara. When he retired from the public hall to 

 his own apartments, he found his mother also dis- 

 posed to follow the same resolution ; and they both 



* The abodes of deities of various classes. 



