________________
410
JAIN RAMAYAN
roads should be studded with extraordinary gems and precious stones. You must build sky-high mansions, broad and fascinating roads and bazaars where all things of the world should be available. At every corner in the city, create beautiful gardens. In honour of Shri Ram, the city shall be called Rampur. The city should be built within this night."
"As commanded by your Highness."
At once, the Yakshas began the task of creating a magnificent city in the place where Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman were staying. Within moments the wild forest became transformed into a fascinating city. At that time, Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman were asleep. Gokarna, the king of Yakshas had cast upon them a spell called Avasvapini. Therefore, they had fallen into a deep sleep.
In the morning, when the sun shot out from the east flattering the entire area with his sovereign eye and guilding it with heavenly alchemy, Gokarna the King of Yakshas appeared beneath the banyan tree and began playing on the veena. He removed the spell. Shri Ram woke up from sleep. He heard the sweet melodies that filled the air and when he opened his eyes, he saw the Yaksha king, Gokarna playing on his veena and when he looked around, he saw the magnificent city. Naturally, he was amazed. He kept observing everything around him. He thought, "How did this miracle come about ? Can it be that some god or some demon or some Yogi has brought us and placed us here."
When Shri Ram was thus thinking, Gokarna bowed to him humbly and said :
“My Lord ! Kindly accept my salutations. You are our honoured guest. Your visit has hallowed our kingdom. We have created this new city to receive you. You are beneath the same banyan tree. All my friends and relatives are here to render service to you. I entreat you to stay here as long a
Meanwhile, Lakshman and Sita had woken up. They too were watching the magnificent city with amazement. All the
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org