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 139

Vali, the Valiant
127
"Oh! King! I am the messenger of Dashmukh Ravan, the heroic king of Lanka, I have brought a special message from him”.
“You are most welcome. Your arrival has filled us with joy. Tell me what made our dear friend Ravan think of us".
"My lord. There is nothing that you do not know. Yet I have to carry out my duty. Our king, Dashmukh Ravan says that your illustrious ancestor Shrikant was a contemporary of our heroic ancestor Kirtidhaval; and that when Shrikant was defeated by his enemies, it seems he sought the refuge of Virdhaval. King Virdhaval gave absolute protection to Shrikant, his brother-in-law and made him the king of Vanardweep. Since then, every king who ascended the throne of Vanardweep out of gratitude accepted the overlordship of the king of Lanka and the kings of Lanka of the Rakshasa dynasty have been treating them nobly as their honoured suzerains. They have always been rendering help and extending co-operation to the kings of Vanardweep whenever they needed such help or whenever they were in difficulties or adversity. They were always ready and willing to safeguard the honour and prestige of the kings of Vanardweep. It is not unknown to you who released your father, honourable Adityaraja from the torments of the hell improvised by Yama and who established again Adityaraja as the king of Vanardweep. All this is not unknown to you. Oh King! you are the noble son of that esteemed king of the Vanaras and you are supremely valiant; and you are the very image of justice and ethical excellence and wisdom; therefore, you must also walk in the path of your ancestors and accept Dashmukh Ravan's overlordship, and you must occupy a proper place as his suzerain."
Of course, the messenger conveyed his message clothing it in polite and humble language. But every word of his message pierced the heart of Vali, the Valiant, like a sharp and pointed arrow. The flames of anger and animosity arose in his heart. His face and body began to shake with indignation. But without revealing his inner thoughts and feelings, he heard the message