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 407

Sita's Poorvajanma
This is the ignorance of jivas. They in their ignorance do not think of the consequences of their ignoble actions and propensities. Ignorant jivas gather sinful Karmas and keep wandering through the 84 lakh forms of life in the samsar. On account of her ignorance, Vegavati also courted this spiritual ruin. She did everything she could to disgrace and denigrate the muni.
The muni was a man of exemplary character. He did not budge an inch. He made this determination, "Until my innocence is established, I will not leave this place. I will remain here in meditation".
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This is an eternal truth. Even gods and goddesses salute and venerate the great man who possesses spiritual excellence and who is absorbed in spiritual austerities. The goddess presiding over the place would not bear with the treatment that was given to the muni by the people. She was greatly incensed. By means of her extrasensory perception, she realised that Vegavati was the cause for this calamitous situation. She decided to punish her severely and made her bright white face, black and ugly. Her complexion also changed. She became completely black and ugly.
Noticing the change that had taken place in Vegavati's appearance, the people became stupefied. They felt as if the ground beneath their feet was sinking. They said in agitation;
"Vegavati! Why has this change appeared in you? You are black and ugly. What happened to your extraordinary beauty and grace ?"
"Ah! Have I become black and ugly? No! No! This cannot happen", said Vegavati with horror.
"Indeed, you have become black and ugly."
The news of the transformation in Vegavati's appearance spread like wildfire throughout the city. The news reached the ears of Shribhuti also. He came running; and saw his daughter who had become black and ugly and turned away his face in contempt.