________________
The Completion of the twenty-one day fast
43
Poor Ravan would be ruined by two forces; Shri Ram's extraordinary heroism and his own sinful karmas. "Ah! Yes if he acts according to Vibhishan's suggestion and advice he will certainly escape that disaster. If he sends back Sita honourably to Shri Ram he would never punish him; on the contrary he would forgive him, but Ravan would not heed Vibishan's advice. He will only reprimand and chide Vibhishan. He will publicly dishonour Vibhishan. Do I not know the nature of that arrogant Ravan ? Well, let me bring some joy to Sita. Let my message flash like a lightning and brighten the darkness of grief and anguish that envelops her."
Hanuman climbed the Ashoka tree and dropped Shri Ram's signet-ring into Sitadevi's lap. Sita was shocked and amazed. She looked around and then saw with amazement the ring that fell into her lap. She took up the ring and saw it closely. At once, smiles appeared on her face and a divine radiance flashed out of her eyes. "This is my lord Shri Ram's signet-ring !" She pressed it to her breast. Hanuman was greatly moved to see Sita's joyful smiles. He shed tears of joy. When the attendant Trijata noticed the change in Sita's behaviour, she at once ran to Ravan's court and conveyed to him the news.
"May the emperor be victorious. My Lord ! Today Sita is very cheerful. Her bleak and blighted face has suddenly grown cheerful and joyful. I am seeing such cheerfulness in her face only for the first time after her coming to Lanka."
"Really? Very good !” At once, Ravan took off the garland of gems from his neck and presented it to Trijata for having brought the happy news and then he went hurriedly to Mandodari's palace.
As soon as he entered Mandodari's palace, he called in a loud voice :
"Mandodari! Mandodari !"
"What's the matter? My lord !” said Mandodari amazed by Ravan's sudden and unexpected visit to her palace. Mandodari,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org