Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.3456

v1.c6.3456

Once the Asuras dwelt in Tāvatiṃsa together with the devas. When Magha Māṇavaka was born as Sakka, he did not relish the idea of sharing a kingdom with others, and having made the Asuras drunken, he had them hurled by their feet on to the steeps of Sineru. There they tumbled into what came to be known as the Asurabhavana, on the lowest level of Sineru, equal in extent to Tāvatiṃsa. Here grew the Citta-pātali tree, and when it blossomed the Asuras knew they were no longer in the deva-world. Wishing to regain their kingdom, they climbed Sineru, “like ants going up a pillar.” When the alarm was given, Sakka went out to give battle to the ocean, but being worsted in the fight, he fled in his Vejayantaratha. Fearing that his chariot hurt the young Garuḷas, he had it turned back. The Asuras, thinking that Sakka had obtained reinforcements, turned and fled right into the Asurabhavana. Sakka went back to his city and in that moment of victory, the Vejayantapāsāda sprang up from the ground. To prevent the Asuras from coming back again, Sakka set up as guard in five places Nāgas, Garuḷas, Kumbhaṇḍas, Yakkhas and the Four Great Kings. Everywhere were images of Indra bearing the thunderbolt in his hand.²⁰