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 83

The Invasion of Lanka
Who was there to console Vibhishan in that painful predicament? Indrajit and Meghavahan were staunch supporters of Ravan. The heroes like Maricha and Swayambhu inwardly approved of Vibhishan's policy but they did not possess the moral courage to state their opinions openly.
Vibhishan at once left Lanka and went away.
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When the people of Lanka came to know of the dissensions and quarrels in the Royal family, they were full of sympathy for Vibhishan; and they did not approve of Ravan's policy of hatred and revenge for who would sacrifice their property and lives by opposing Ravan's ignoble actions and policies ? The people who lived a worldly life did not like to court total ruin by trying to safeguard and uphold noble and lofty ideals.
Vibhishan decided to go to Hamsadweep and to seek the refuge of Shri Ram. Spies had already conveyed to Shri Ram and others information regarding the dissensions in the Royal family. But no one even dreamt that Vibhishan the gem among the Rakshasas would come to Shri Ram and surrender himself to him.
A great commotion appeared among the Rakshasa warriors and soldiers when Vibhishan left Lanka. The army became divided into two sections. Vibhishan's wisdom, nobility and farsightedness were very greatly admired by the Rakshasa warriors and soldiers. Consequently, the news that Vibhishan went away from Lanka excited some sections of the army; and they went out of Lanka. They camped outside the city of Lanka; and were awaiting Vibhishan's commands.
King Sugriv and the various other Vanara heroes were greatly amazed and delighted at Vibhishan's unexpected arrival at the Hamsadweep. They were filled with surprise and suspicion. King Sugriv at once informed Bhamandal of the arrival of Vibhishan.
"O you noble hero! I am fully aware of the ideals and traditions of the Rakshasa race. We can even trust ghosts, goblins and spirits but not these Rakshasas."