Jain Ramayana Part 1

SR No.: 002021
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 452
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 21 MB

Page 129

An Incident in the Royal Court
117
arrows. Within a few moments, the whole sky was covered with arrows. Dashmukh Ravan's anger flamed up terribly. He was greatly irritated. Until now, he had been fighting deeming it a game. But he was angered and excited by Yama's crooked ways and decided to end the war. He collided against Yama like an intoxicated elephant. He shot very sharp arrows and cut off Yama's limbs. The soldiers of Yama's army began to flee the battle-field. Yama was caught in a dilemma. He fell into deep thoughtfulness; “I will have to lose my life unnecessarily. Instead of dying thus, it is better to get away from here. This kingdom is not mine anyway. Indra gave it to me; and until today, I have been enjoying it. If one is alive one can attain prosperity again. So, it is beneficial to go to Indra”.
At once, Yama ran away from there and reached Ratanupur. He stood before Indra folding his hands and shivering with féar.
"My lord! I discard to-day the position of Yama you gave me. I cannot bear this heavy responsibility; and I am not also fascinated by the status of Yama. I am not interested in it. I do not mind whether you like it or not; but I am giving up my position of Yama. I am not at all interested in it. My life is in danger; and Dashmukh Ravan is coming raging like a storm to slay you. He is cruel, wild, terrible ... a veritable destroyer ... Dashmukh Ravan is speeding to this place to destroy you..."
“Why do you keep prattling? Tell me what the matter is", Indra said infuriated.
"Oh lord ! Dashmukh Ravan is a Yama (god of death) to Yama himself. He is supremely valiant and heroic. He has committed heart-rending enormities”.
"All right. What enormities has he committed ? Will you please tell me ?”
"Oh lord ; He destroyed hell. He beat and drove away the guards. He waged a war and killed countless soldiers”.
“What else ?"