Jain Ramayana Part 2

SR No.: 002022
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 518
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 23 MB

Page 168

156
JAIN RAMAYAN
selfish objectives. So we two shall fight a duel and decide who should be the victor and who the vanquished. This is absolutely proper.” The Chief Minister said in a serious tone communicating fully the message of the king.
The King of Ayodhya thought for sometime over the propostal and gave his silent consent. He gladly accepted Sodas, challenge. The Chief Minister of Mahapur saluted him and then went away taking leave of him.
Then a proclamation was made in both the camps accompanied with the sounds of conch-shells. "There will not be a war between the two armies. Instead of that the two kings Simharath and Sodas will fight a duel.” This is the peculiar way in which the samsar moves. A conflict between the father and the son. The son preparing to fight against his father. Such people were also Shri Ram's ancestors. They were the descendants of the line of Bhagwan Rishabhdev. Call it the mockery of fate whid confounds even the greatest men of world.
In consequence, the soldiers on both the sides discarded their weapons and became the silent spectators of the duel between the two kings. The two kings entered the battle-field seated in their chariots. Within the twinkling of an eye the two chariots stood face to face.
Then, Sodas blew upon his conch-shell and said in a loud and lofty voice.... "First you begin fighting."
Accordingly, Simharath took up his bow and arrow and shot an arrow aiming it at Sodas. The arrow went with a swishing noise and whizzed past his ears. In response to this, Sodas shot ten arrows at the same time. Simharath by releasing efficacious arrows broke Sodas' arrows into pieces and soon releasing five arrows wounded the horses of Sodas' chariot.
In consequence, Sodas became excited and angry. He released arrows and shot off into the air Simharath's crown which had been studded with gems. At the same time speedily he drove his chariot very near the chariot of Simharath.