Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
The Tenth Canto
235
I declare, O Lord, that I have set out to subdue the King of the aerial beings. I have done what my ancestors did to subdue the proud Sri. ||149||
On my way, I performed the worship of the Jina on the beautiful bank of the Reva, with a wheel of gems, on a pure platform of sand. ||150||
That worship, along with its paraphernalia, was carried away by the swift current of water, created by the device of this Moghi. ||151||
Then, due to the destruction of the image of the Jina, I was filled with great anger. I have done this deed for a purpose, and I do not hate any human being without reason. ||152||
Nor did this proud and careless one say to me, "I did not know, therefore forgive me," when I arrived. ||153||
He who is not able to conquer the earth-dwellers, how can he conquer the aerial beings, who are skilled in various arts? ||154||
Therefore, I will first subdue the arrogant earth-dwellers. Then, in due course, I will subdue Indra, the King of the aerial beings. ||155||
Now that I have subdued him, it is only right to release him. What more can be said, when you, whose vision is only for the virtuous, are giving your command? ||156||
Then Indrajit, the son of Ravana, said, "Well spoken, O Lord! Who, except a wise king like you, can know how to release him?" ||157||
Then, at the command of Ravana, Maricha, the minister, brought Sahasrarashmi to the assembly, with officers, with naked swords in their hands. ||158||
Sahasrarashmi bowed at the feet of his father and sat down on the ground. Ravana, without anger, spoke to him with great respect. ||159||
"From today, you are my fourth brother. Since you are very powerful, I will conquer Indra, the king who mocks Indra, with your help." ||160||
"I will give you, for your service, the younger sister of Mandodari, Swayamprabha. O beautiful one, what you have done is proof to me." ||161||
Sahasrarashmi said, "Damn this fleeting kingdom of mine! The objects of enjoyment, which seem pleasant at first, are later filled with sorrow and fear." ||162||