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 57

The Birth of Ravan
Once, Kaikasi lay in deep sleep on her cot, in her richly decorated sleeping-chamber, in the magnificent palace of Pushpantar. The lamps that had been studded with gems, were glimmering in the chamber. Every corner of the chamber had been illuminated by the dim light of the lamps. The attendants were waving fans which had been decked with pearls and precious stones. Incense - bearing breezes blew from the west. The night had entered the last phase; and the Queen was flying through the firmament of dreams.
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She had a strange dream. In her dream, she saw a lion tearing off the infatuated temples of a mighty elephant. The elephant seemed to enter its mouth.
Within a moment, her dream ended; and she woke up thrilled by her dream. As she remembered her dream, a strange feeling shot through her veins. She began to spend the remaining part of the night in some noble and lofty contemplations; and kept eagerly awaiting the arrival of the dawn. As soon as the day dawned, she left her chamber; and went into the chamber of her husband. Seeing the Queen Kaikasi who was in great agitation, Ratnashrava tried to be cheerful and to cheer her up. He asked her to be seated near him.
"My dear lord! In the early morning, I saw a splendid dream. Since then I have been palpitating with anxiety". She said.
"Dearest! What did you see in your dream ?"
"In my dream, I saw a lion tearing off the infatuated temples of a mighty elephant; and the elephant passing into its mouth".
"Excellent! Really excellent! Oh dear queen! Very soon you are going to give birth to a son of exceptional valour and heroism. This is what your dream signifies".
"My lord! May your words come true".
As soon as Queen Kaikasi became pregnant, Ratnashrava began to organize many rituals and celebrations, in the Jin temples. He rendered charity to the helpless and the needy,