 So Indra drove the wagon off, arriving , after a distance
of approximately thirty leagues (145 kilometers), at a big river.
There he woke the Queen and told her: "My dear, do alight
from the wagon to bathe in the rover. Dress yourself with the
set of cloth that hangs overhead, there. Then partake the food
that is in the wagon." The Queen did what she was told to
do. Then went to sleep once again. Eventually, they arrived at
the city of Kalachampaka in the evening. At the sight of the
gates, The towers and the city's ramparts, the Queen asked in
wonderment: "Venerable one, what would the city's name be?"
Indra answered:"This is the city of Kalachampaka, my dear."
The Queen retorted: " Is the revered one joking? Kalachampaka
is at least sixty leagues away from our city, isn't it so?"
Indra said: : It is, indeed, dear. But I know the direct route."
The Sakka Devaraja told the Queen step down from the wagon hear
the Southern Gate. He said:" My house is further away, but,
my dear, you must enter this city." Having said this , he
appeared to move onwards, disappearing towards his abode. As
for the Queen, she stayed at at rest-house. |
The Being that rested in the royal womb was not an ordinary
being but was one destined for enlightment. The power of the
Great Being caused an abnormal heat in the abode of Sakka Devaraja,
King of the Gods (Indra). The Great God investigated the phenomenon
and opined :"The Being in the womb has a great destiny;
we must go and see." So he conjured a covered wagon with
a bed inside and transformed himself into an old man. He drove
the wagon to the rest-house where the Queen was and stopped at
the entrance.
The King of the Gods inquired: " Is there anyone
here going to Kalachampaka ?" The Queen said : "I'm
going, Venerable one." Sakka Devaraja said: "Then,
just step on the wagon, mty dear." The Queen stepped out
and said : "I'm heavy with child; I cannot ride a wagon.
I prefer walking behind you, O Venerable one. But ,if you please,
put this basket on the wagon for me." Sakka Devaraja retorted:
"What are you saying! There is no drover more skilled that
I. Don't be afeared, Step right up,dearie." By the might
of the yrt unborn child, as the Queen was going to step on the
wagon, the earth bulged up to the rear of the vehicle affording
her an effortless access to the bed inside. She knew then that
this was a god. The Queen laid down and drofted into a peaceful
sleep, for that was a magic bed.
