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 30

OCTOBER, 1971
Rama's forces. With this end in view, he not only started meditation himself but ordered intensive worship all over his kingdom on the occasion of the Nandvisvara festival For eight days the worship was to continue.
The Nandisvara festival : Ravana's acquisition of magic power bahūrupini
It was already spring and nature was in full splendour. Ravana followed by his subjects came to the great temple of Santinatha to offer his prayer and worship. After prayer and worship he started meditation for the acquisition of the magic power bahurūpini. When this news reached Rama's camp, Anga, Angada and many others immediately started in order to disturb Ravana in his meditation and thus prevent his acquiring magic power. They entered into Lanka but they were soon overpowered by the Yaksa guards who pursued them in their retreat to Rama's camp. Rama then rebuked the guards for protecting Ravana in his immoral acts. The guards felt ashamed at Rama's words, begged pardon and departed with a promise not to obstruct Rama's men any more.
Thus assured Anga, Angada and many others re-entered Lanka inflicting havoc as they pleased. Lanka was the most prosperous city of that time. Its wealth and magnificence knew no bound. Ravana, who himself was a mighty conqueror, had fetched wealth from everywhere to enrich his capital. Ravana's palace was the most magnificent building one could imagine. It was such a city that now stood virtually without guard. Angada and his associates did a lot of damage to the city and at last entered the palace. They did not spare Ravana's queens there. They were molested and even disturbance was created for Ravana who was in meditation. The queens made piteous appeals for protection but Ravana would not move till the acquisition of bahurūpini. Angada and others had therefore a free hand. Ravana completed his meditation and acquired the magic power. He was now sure of his victory over Rama the next day. He consoled the queens who had been molested and promised to take revenge.
Ravana then completed his bath and took food. Then he thought of visiting Sita with a view to persuade her to accept him. But all his persuation failed. Persisting in her refusal, Sita fell down in a swoon. This affected Ravana's heart. He realised that he had committed a really evil act in detaining Sita against her will. After all she belonged to another person and she had never accepted him for a moment. So it was no use keeping her any longer. Ravana made up his mind to return Sita, but not before a victory had been won. For, then people would say, he returned Sita out of fear. And victory was now