________________
464
JAIN RAMAYAN
The magnificent city of Lanka !
The capital city of Ravan the danava king, the conqueror of the world.
Chandranakha straight went to her brother, Ravan. Ravan made polite enquiries regarding her welfare. In reply to his enquiries she began shedding tears and weeping aloud.
“My dear brother! My anguish knows no bounds. Your dear sister's son Shambuk was killed by Lakshman, in the Dandakaranya. Your brother-in-law has gone there with fourteen thousand Vidyadhar soldiers; and has been fighting against them. A terrible fight is going on. The great Vidyadhars are being cut to pieces by Lakshman; and Shri Ram and Sita are happily taking rest.”
“Sita !”
"Yes. Shri Ram's wife and the daughter of Janak. She is so beautiful and charming that I do not find words to describe her beauty and graces. She is absolutely beautiful. She is the embodiment of grace and loveliness. No angel, no apsaras. .No divine damsel...None can stand comparison with her in beauty and grace.”
"In the three worlds, there is no damsel who can be compared to her. She is a paragon of feminine graces and charms. Her beauty is incomparable and extraordinary. She is an ornament to ornaments. Of course, there may be many beautiful ladies in your palace but all of them are ugly and unattractive compared to her. It is no exaggeration to say that they are fit only to be Sita's attendants. She will add lustre to your harem; and until she is brought to your harem, it will be lustreless; and if you cannot attain her what is the use of your attainments and heroism ? When you see her personally, you will find that every word of mine is true. You will find that I have spoken the truth.
Chandranakha !
! She possessed the ability to bring about a disaster by her skilful words.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org