Jain Journal 1971 10

SR No.: 520024
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1971
Total Pages: 45
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 29

JAIN JOURNAL
a magic water that could restore to life. This was the ablution water of princes Visalya, the daughter of Dronaghana. Once he himself had fallen into the boundary wall of Ayodhya when Bharata had arranged to procure the water and sprinkled it over thus restoring him to life. The same water, if fetched before dawn, might save Laksmana.
The prince further went on to narrate how Visalya had acquired this supernatural power. He himself had it on the authority of a monk. In her previous birth, she was a Vidyadhara princess named Anangasara. Punarvasu took her by force, but unable to counter the attack of the pursuing army, he dropped her in a wilderness and fled. She remained there for many years practising austerities. Then she was swallowed by a python. True to ahimsā she did not allow Saudasa to kill the beast but died herself instead. She has been reborn as Visalya, Laksmana is none other than her former suitor Punarvasu.
Visalya is brought : Laksmana revives
But this magic water was to be fetched and sprinkled before dawn, and the great Hanumat was again chosen for the task. Sugriva and Bhamandala were to assist him. So the three left by their air-chariots. Flying over the ocean, the mountains Malaya and Kiskindha, rivers from Krsnavena to Narmada and the Vindhyas they reached Ayodhya and informed Bharata of the calamity. Soon the news spread like bonfire. The palace was bereaved and so was the city. But there was no time to loose. Kaikeyi suggested : kim salile sain je visalla jāu'why send water, let Visalya herself go'. Accordingly Visalya along with thousand girls started for Lanka. As their chariot approached the island, the sakti got terrified and left Laksmana, promising never to return. At the approach of Visalya not only did Laksmana revive but so did all warriors on Rama's side. Laksmana honoured Visalaya by marrying her right there.
The rejoicing in the demon camp proved short-lived. News soon reached that Laksmana has been restored to life. This was enough to establish that Rama was not an enemy to be neglected. Queen Mandodari and Ravana's ministers advised him to seek peace and Ravana too could see the undesirability of carrying the war further provided it could be an honourable peace for him. So an envoy was despatched. Ravana offered to abdicate provided Rama would give up his claim on Sita. Obviously the proposal was unacceptable. When the envoy started bragging, he was thrown out. Now, peace being out of question, Ravana became anxious to acquire magic power by which to overcome