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Lanka: Its Decline and Rise
Very soon, the princess adorning herself with the sixteen decorations entered the hall, like a light of heavenly radiance. It was as if Urvashi herself, the heavenly damsel of incomparable beauty came down to earth, in search of fresher sports. She was accompanied by the experienced attendant of the harem, and her friends. The princess held in her hands a garland of fragrant and fascinating flowers.
The attendant introduced to her the kings of the Vidyadhars, princes and heirs-designate one by one; and described in pleasing words, the line, the family - history, the attractive features, the artistic attainments, the valour, the kingdom and the city of each one of the assembled princes and kings and led her on. As she moved forwards, some princes and kings felt disappointed since they had not been chosen by her.
In the hall of the Swayamvar, the atmosphere became agitated. As the princess appeared before a prince, his face grew radiant with hope; but as she moved on, his face became bleak and depressed. Several princes were disappointed in this manner. The remaining rivals desiring her hand in marriage, were eagerly waiting for the princess to approach them. She approached King Kishkindhi, the king of Vanardweep. As soon as Shrimala approached Kishkindhi, a strange, and delightful thrill flashed through her veins to the brims of her being. She stopped before him as if spell bound. For a moment, she glanced at him with fixed eyes and put the garland around his neck.
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Joy and jubilation reigned everywhere. The hall of the Swayamvar began to overflow with joy. Mandirmali, the emperor of Vidyadhars felt supremely happy. But probably fate did not approve of all this. She threw an apple of discord into the assembly; and there arose a dreadful dissension. Prince Vijaysimha who had come from Ratanupur suddenly burst into a fit of fury. His face grew red with anger. Blinded by the false pride of being a hero of extraordinary valour, he began thundering: "Who invited these monkeys here? Once, these monkeys were defeated and driven away from the Vaithadhya mountain; and they ran away like thieves from there. Yet, they
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| SR No. | 002021 |
| Book Title | Jain Ramayana Part 1 |
| 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 |