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 32

20
JAIN RAMAYAN
At once, he assumed the form of a mighty, huge and formi. dable monkey. He also created by means of his magical powers a vast army of Vanars; and attacked the soldiers of Tadithkesh. They began uprooting huge trees and whirling them at the Rakshasa army. They began raining large stones on the Rakshasa army. Within a short time, a fierce battle broke out between the Rakshasa army and the Vanaras. Very soon, the Rakshasa army was routed and vanquished, and they ran away from the forest in utter humiliation.
Tadithkesh did not try to stop them, but he began to think : "Surely, this is a calamity caused by some angry goddess. Knowingly or unknowingly, I should have acted in an improper manner." Soon, he discarded his weapons and went forward, towards the monkey. He stood before the monkey and after bowing to him in great reverence; he said, folding his hands in politeness:
"I am sure that you are some divine being. Why have you assumed this monstrous form; and why are you attacking us in this wild and violent manner?"
By this time, the Vanara's anger had subsided. Within the twinkling of an eye, the monstrous form changed into a radiant being. He narrated the entire story to Tadithkesh, the emperor of the Rakshasas.
The emperor was greatly astounded on hearing the words of that divinely radiant being. Tadithkesh took the divine being to Avilamb Mahamuni; and said to him politely:
"Oh great Muni! How can there be enmity between me and the Vanaras ? Kindly enlighten us. We shall be grateful to you."
Then, the emperor of Lanka and the divine being sat before the great muni.
The muni spoke in a serene manner: "Oh king! This is related to an incident that took place in an earlier age. In those days, you lived in the city of Shravasti. You were the son of the minister of that kingdom. Your name was Datta. At that