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THE KILLING OF RĀVANA
293
Reviled by Lakşmaņa in this way, he, intending to reply, was expelled by the Vanaras who got up and seized him by the neck. He went and told Rāvaņa everything said by Rāghava and Rāvaņa said to the ministers, "Say what is to be done now." The ministers said: “The surrender of Sītā is suitable in this case. The result of contrariety has been seen. Consider the result of agreement, lord. Every action is considered from the viewpoint of agreement and contrariety. How have you fared from contrariety alone, Daśānana ? Now your many kinsmen and sons are uninjured. Prosper with glory together with them set free by the return of Sītā.”
Wounded in his heart very much by their speech about the return of Sītā, as if struck in a vital spot, Daśamukha reflected for a long time. Having decided in his heart on the subjugation of the vidyā Bahurūpā, Rāvaņa, his passions subdued, went to Śrī śānti's shrine. Daśānana, his face blooming with devotion, like Indra himself, made Sri Sāntinātha's bath with pitchers of water. After anointing him with gośīrşa-sandal and making a pūjā with divine flowers, he recited a hymn of praise to Sri Sānti.
Stuti (330-337) "Homage to the god of gods, protector of the world, supreme spirit, śrīmat śāntinātha, sixteenth Arhat. Blessed Sri Sāntinātha, guide in crossing the ocean of births, homage, homage to your name, a charm for Sarvārthasiddha. Whoever make the eightfold pūjā 188 to you, Supreme Lord, to them the eight magic powers, 184 becoming extremely small, et cetera, will be present. The eyes which see you daily are fortunate; the heart in which you, seen by them, are carried is more fortunate than they. O god, people may be spotless just from touching your feet. Does not iron become gold from
188 332. See II, n. 411. 184 332. See MW, s.v. siddhi.
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