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 15

Vibhishan
A few moments passed thus. Only then did Ravan open his eyes but even then he could not look straight into Mandodari's eyes. He said in a tone of distress:
"Dear goddess! How can I tell you what I am experiencing? I am really ashamed of myself. My Queen! I am unable to bear with this separation from Sita. I cannot live without attaining her favour. As soon as I begin thinking of her, flames of passion flash to the brims of my being. I feel that my body is decaying and that every limb of mine has been falling to pieces. The thoughts relating to Sita keep agitating me every moment, wherever I may be; whatever I may be doing. As a result of all this I may ......!” As he said this, his eyes closed naturally and he collapsed on his bed. Of course, Mandodari was fully aware of Ravana's agitation and grief. But she had never even dreamt that such a mighty hero as Lankesh, a lion in might and ferocity would thus get entangled in the snares of sensual cravings. Hence, she stood there in utter silence and stupefaction.
Ravan took Mandodari's hands into his; and began to speak like a mad man;
"Mandodari! I am sure that you desire that I should be alive; don't you? If so, you at once go to Sita without caring for any scruples or sentiments; and prevail upon her to accept my love and to become my dearest partner in life; to become unit with me for ever. Dear goddess! Cannot you do this for my sake ? Cannot you make this sacrifice for my sake? ..... for your, dearest lord's sake ? Cannot you make this sacrifice to keep me alive ?"
Mandodari fell into a deep conflict. A tremendous conflict of thoughts and feelings arose in her mind.
“Dearest one! You know very well that I have taken a vow before a spiritual head that I would not compel a woman to marry me against her will and that I would not even touch another man's wife. You know I have taken this vow; "I will not even touch a woman against her will." Now, it is this vow