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 155

The Slaying of Ravan
143
Mandodari returned to her palace accompanied by the other Queens of Ravan. She took a bath and then went into the temple of Lord Shantinath to pray.
The day was about to break.
The armies on both sides were engaged in assuming their appointed positions. The Raksahsa armies were elated when Ravan entered the battle-field. The cries of victory issued by them reverberated in the skies. A fresh enthusiasm and confidence appeared in them. The whole universe shook with the cries and the counter-cries of the armies.
The soldiers of Shri Ram's army were in a mood of fresh elation and enthusiasm. Lakshman stood in front of his armies burning with anger. Shri Ram stood beside him holding in his hand the plough, a weapon of extraordinary efficacy. Hanuman, Bhamandal and Angadh were supervising the movements of the army. At the rear, Sugriv, Nal and Prasannakirthi stood with their armies. Vibhishan stood on one side of Lakshman and was giving directions to the armies. All were waiting for the daybreak. Just then, the eastern horizon grew red. Birds began to twitter in the skies. The stir of life appeared everywhere.
Soon, the sun god of the million radiant rays emerged from the east seated in his splendid chariot drawn by seven heavenly horses.
The day dawned.
A terrible war broke out between the two armies. Lakshman began the war by sending heavy showers of arrows against Ravan. But Lakshman's arrows flew swishing by Ravan's ears. Ravan was greatly amazed at Lakshman's extraordinary militaric skill and heroism and he began to fight against Lakshman.
The supreme commander Yamadand using all his powers was trying to confound the enemy armies. He was absorbed in fighting against Sugriv, Nal, Neel and Prasannakirthi. At once, he defeated Nal and Neel and was endeavouring to defeat Prasannakirthi Sugriv gave a sign to Prasannakirthi. At once,