Jain Ramayana Part 3

SR No.: 002023
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 518
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Story, & Literature
File Size: 24 MB

Page 107

The Terrible War
95
The eastern horizon grew rosy. Birds began to twitter in the sky. Both the armies entered the battle-field and stood ready to fight. There was still sometime for the sun-rise. Sugriv, the king of Vanaras, Prince Bhamandal and Hanuman had made extraordinary battle-formations. They knew very well that on that day, Ravan would personally lead his armies. Ravan would
lead his armies but would also launch severe attacks on Shri Ram's armies. Vibhishan had advised Sugriv that even before Ravan launched his attacks, he should, accompanied by Bhamandal and Hanuman, attack Ravan's armies; that he need not be daunted by Ravan; and that he would fight against Ravan and kill him. He had also added that a terrible war would take place between him and Ravan.
Hanuman brought his chariot close to Sugriv and whispered to him, "I think to-day, Vibhishan will break down Ravan's arrogance."
"But should we remain silent spectators ? To-day even Lakshman will not be quiet. He is awaiting Ravan's appearance."
"You are right. Shri Ram was also saying, "Let Ravan appear in the battle-field."
The conversation between the two commanders ended. The sun had appeared in the east spreading out his tender golden splendour. . His radiant rays had begun to envelop the earth. The two hostile armies collided against each other. A terrible war broke out between them. Indrajit and Meghavahan fought ably in the beginning and created havoc among Shri Ram's armies. The war began in a ferocious manner; and step by step, it grew terrible. Noticing that their soldiers were retreating with fear, Sugriv, Bhamandal and Hanuman pounced upon the Rakshasa armies and began decimating them. When Chandrarashmi, Nal, Neel, and Viradh saw the way in which the three heroes were creating confusion and commotion among the Rakshasa soldiers, their enthusiasm and elation swelled to the skies. They, at once, surrounded Indrajit and Meghavahan; and began to fight against the Rakshasa princes. Indrajit was fighting like an infuriated lion. Chandrarashmi was fighting as if on