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 132

120
JAIN RAMAYAN
several occasions your counsel has saved Lanka from dreadful disasters and has helped it to attain progress and prosperity. Even in the midst of the dreadful darkness of despair your counsel has been a guiding light. In fact, you are the pillars of the empire of Lanka." Ravan paused for a while and then continued.
"You are all aware of what happened in the battle-field during the last three days. You are also aware of the losses and reverses we have suffered and the reverses we have caused our enemies. Well! Such events are common in wars. So, I am not worried about the losses we have suffered but I am experiencing inordinate distress because of the captivity of Kumbhakarna my dear brother who is now in our enemy's hands. The enemy bound him with Nagapash and carried him away captive to his camp. Ram has carried away my sons Indrajit and Meghavahan captives. You advise me regarding the way in which we can end their captivity. Yesterday when I tore off the chest of Lakshman with the divine weapon Amoghavijaya and threw him down, I was certain that Ram also would follow Lakshman to the abode of death, grief-stricken and I hoped that soon after his death, the Vanara armies and the Vidyadhar warriors would take to their heels and that I would return to Lanka with my brother and my sons and the other heroes of our army.
But Lakshman is alive and this is a great misfortune to the empire of Lanka and to the Danava dynasty. Lakshman has recovered from the effect of even such an extraordinary weapon as the Amoghavijaya. What shall we do now? How can we get Kumbhakarna, Indrajit and Meghavahan released from captivity? My dear Ministers ! In this critical moment, only you must show me the way and guide me."
The entire court was plunged in deep thought. All were pondering over the crisis that had arisen. Nobody could think of any way out. Just then, the Chief Minister began speaking with reverberating accents.
"Your highness! There is only one solution to this problem and that is to release Sita and restore her to Shri Ram. What