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 67

The Journey to the Bhimaranya
paused for a few moments to regain his breath. Then he waited for a moment. He wiped his moist eyes with his upper cloth. He looked at his grand-sons with fixed eyes; and putting together the broken strands of his words, he said again....
"My dearest children. My conscience tells me that you are going to be surely successful, and that you will become indisputable masters of innumerable accomplishments, militaric arts and skills. You may go to the Bhimaranya. You set off at an auspicious time. My heartfelt wishes for your success and my blessing will always be there to give you strength. But here is one vital point. Before setting off to Bhimaranya, you must worship Lord Shantinath and pray for his grace. You should never forget this duty". .
Then, Sumali embraced the three youngsters affectionately, kissed their heads with love; stroked their backs softly; and then bade them good-bye, in a voice shaken by emotion.
The news that the three princes were planning to go to the Bhimaranya to attain mastery over the various arts, accomplishments and skills; spread everywhere. ' Large numbers of well-wishers gathered in the magnificent grounds in front of the palace to bid good-bye to the three princes who were about to set off to the Bhimaranya. The citizens also gathered on the two sides of the streets to cheer the princes and to wish them success and prosperity in their endeavours.
Kaikasi decorated the radiant foreheads of her sons with Kumkum tilak; placed in their hands some auspicious fruits; and accompanied them upto the main gate of the palace. At the main gate of the palace had gathered, Sumali, their grandfather, Ratnashrava, their father, Prajnanidhi, the Chief Minister and a large number of others. The court-priest blessed the princes by reciting the relevant Mantras. Auspicious songs were sung by sweet-voiced girls.
The three princes took leave of all of them in a humble and polite manner. All shouted : “Victory to Bhagwan Shantinath" and their cries reverberated in the horizons.