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38
Story of Rama in Jain Literature
King Drona-megha is approached by Bharata and others. He offers Visalya and 1000 maidens in marriage to Laksmana. Then the party with Visalya returns to the battleground. V.salya touches Lakṣmaṇa. The Sakti instantaneously leaves his body. Hanumat catches hold of her. She explains who she is. Hanumat allows her to go. Laksmana regains his consciousness; all are overjoyed at Laksmana's recovery. Lakṣmaṇa then marries Visalya [Arrival of Visalya (on the battle-ground to cure the wounded hero Lak ṣmaṇa)]
CANTO LXV;
Rāvana learns that Lakṣmaṇa is cured. He then consults his ministers as to what he should do to effect the release of his brother and sons. They advise him to return Si'a to Rama and make peace with him. He, however, is adamant. He sends an envoy to Rama with the message that if Rama releases Bhanukarṇa, Indrajit and Meghavahana and that he agrees to Sita's living with Ravana, he is prepared to share his kingdom with him and offer him 3000 virgins in marriage. Rama replies that Rāvana must return Sita and that he cares little for kingdom. The envoy goes on prattling, he is then driven out; he reports to Ravana Rama's reply and the ill-treatment he has received at Rama's assembly. (Visit of Ravana's envoy)
CANTO LXVI:
Rāvana now decides to secure the great lore, called Bahurupa; he sits in front of the image of Santinatha with that object in view. Mandodati by a proclamation asks the citizens of Lanka to observe Ahimsa for full eight days. If any one fails to obey this order, he will be put to death. (Eight-day Festival in the month of Phalguna and Regulating of the life of the people)
CANTO LXVII :
Vibhiṣaṇa advises Rama to capture Ravana who is engaged in meditation. Rama refuses to disturb Ravana in his religious performance. Vänara Kumaras led by Angada enter Lanka with a view to disturbing Ravana in his religious meditation. At the arrival of the Vanaras, the citizens of Lanka are filled with terror. Then the gods from Santi's temple, getting angry rout the Vanara Army. At this gods from other temples are enraged and fight with those gods and defeat them. Then Vanaras again attack. Pūrṇabhadra, the lord of the Yaksas requests Rama to see that his army does not disturb Ravana in his meditation. Sugrīva pacifies him. (Description of gods possessed of right faith)
CANTO LXVIII :
Angada and others again go to Lanka and cause upasarga in Ravana's meditation but to no purpose. Ravana is successful in securing the lore Bahurupa, which is now ready to do anything for him. [Securing of the Lore Bahu-rupā (by Ravana)]