________________
Vidyadhara country (3.157-161) and Vanaradvipa (6.39-41 also have been described on the same pattern. The descriptions are not mere mechanical reproductions but are interlarded with varieties.
There is a short and simple but effective description of a warravaged country-side of Avanti. The place has been widowed and the inhabitants have deserted it. Everything is in a chaotic state; grains and crops scattered, routes and roads broken, disjointed carts lying uncared and old oxen languishing hither and thither ( 33.14-16).
City
The city of Rajagrha with its ramparts, magnificent buildings beautified by display of light emitted by rubies and emerablds, pleasure gardens, the humming markets and various spectacles on public roads has been described in a picturesque manner ( 2.9-14).
It reminds us of the city of Sagala described in the beginning of the Milindapanho and the city of Rajagrha described in the Vasudevahindi (I. p. 2).
At 8.263-270 the description of the city of Lanka is given on the same pattern. There is also a display of colours and sweet smell of incense coming from the houses. The poet fancies (upreksad that the temples there are trying to embrace the sky (8.265) and the flags of the fort of Lanka are so waving in the air as the city is beckoning Ravana (8.266) to come to her. Sea
There is an awe-inspiring description of Lavana-samudra. The mighty sea is agitated with mountaainous waves and acquatic monsters. The conch-shells are crushed to pieces on being continuously pressed on the corals by the surging waves and are washed away towards the mouths of the emptying rivers (8.258-62). The sea-shore is shining with the rays emitting from the gems. The pearls, foams and the flowers all together bordering the water, are giving such apearance as a colourful worship has been offered to the sea.[92.59-262]
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org