________________
SAU
Charioteer Kaikeyi
The pandal now turned into a battlefield. Emperor Harivāhana and thousands of other princes who were nurturing a dream of marrying Kaikeyi were wrath, when they saw their dreams shattering. They decided to burry their differances and attack the strange ascetic in unison. Kaikeyi volunteered to be Daśaratha's charioteer. Fearless Dasaratha mounted the chariot and began to shower arrows at his enemies.
It is said that a brave man, though all by himself, is like the sun, who inspite of being alone, fills the whole world with bright light. All alone the sun conquers innumerable stars and planets. Dasaratha's chariot moved faster than wind. The brave adversaries of Daśaratha began to fall one after another. Like Sakrendrathe emperor of celestial beings fighting the demonic forces, or like Mrgendra, the emperor of jungle (lion) striking terror among the herds of deer, Dasaratha vanquished the foes. Finally, those who had decided to teach the strange ascetic a lesson, decided to prostrate themselves at his feet. The noble Dasaratha welcomed them with open arms.
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org