________________
CHAPTER XII BALADEVA'S GOING TO HEAVEN, EMANCIPATION
OF NEMI AND THE PĀŅDAVAS
Grief for Krşņa (1–35) Rāma hastily got water in a cup made from a lotus-leaf and, hindered by unfavorable qmens, went near Kșşņa. Bala stood for a moment with the idea, “He is comfortably asleep." When he saw black flies, he removed the cloth from Kșşņa's face. Then he knew that his brother was dead and Bala at once fell to the ground in a swoon, like a tree whose root has been cut. After he had recovered consciousness with difficulty, Bala gave a lion's roar and the wild animals were terrified and the whole forest trembled.
He said: “By what criminal has my younger brother, comfortably asleep here, the sole hero of the universe, been killed? Let him announce himself. Let him appear before me, if he is truly a soldier. Who would attack those asleep, off guard, children, sages, or women ? ” Scolding in such loud words, Rāma roamed through the forest. Again he approached Kșşņa, embraced him, and cried out:
“O brother, hero of the world, cherished on my lap, younger but elder in merit, chief of the universe, where are you? Without you I am not able to exist. Formerly you spoke. Now you do not answer. Where is affection, Janārdana? I do not recall any transgression of mine, nor were you observed to be angry. Or was that delay of mine that took place a reason for anger on your part? You are justly angry; nevertheless, stand up now, brother. The sun is setting. This is not the time for sleep of the noble.”
Talking incoherently in this way, Rāma passed the night. At daybreak he said: “O brother, get up! Get up!” Rāma got up and, bewildered by affection for his brother, put Krşņa,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
