________________
On the other side the Prime Minister of Bāhubali was also having disturbing thoughts, "'The moral of our soldiers is very high. They are stimulated by the thought that they are fighting for their freedom. But the numbers are against us. After all, how long will we lost?”
Coming to a conclusion the two ministers decided to meet each other. After a meeting and exchange of ideas they approached the Cakravarti. After due greetings they submitted, “Sire! This is a battle between two brothers. You both are shining stars of the family of Bhagavāna Rşabhadeva. Each of you is endowed with the Vajravrṣabhanārāca Samhanana (the strongest constitution of body as defined in Jain scriptures) and are destined to be liberated during this birth. You will come to no harm at all. What then is the use of shedding blood of these simple innocent soldiers on both sides? It would be best, and proper as well, if you decide the issues through a duel.” The Cakravarti agreed to the proposal. After this they went to Bāhubali who too gave his consent. Now they rushed amidst the battling armies, raised their hands and announced in raised voice. "In the name of Śrī Rşabhanātha, lay your weapons and stop the war."
With this announcement the war stopped at once. The two prime ministers now laid down the conditions of the duel – “It would be a three part duel fought according to the established rules. The three parts being drsti yuddha (competition of staring into each other's eyes), jala yuddha (water battle), and malla yuddha (wrestling). The winner will become the king and the loser will become an ascetic.” The two brothers gave their consent at once.
The bloodthirsty soldiers were now free of antagonism and turned into a friendly audience. The two great warriors faced each other in the middle of the ground. First started the drsti yuddha. The two stared into each other's eyes without blinking for three days. At last Bharata blinked. Bāhubali was five hundred twenty five dhanușa (a conceptual measure of height) tall and Bharata was just five hundred dhanușa. Thus Bāhubali got the advantage of his height. The Cakravarti lost this first round.
After this the second round commenced. The two combatants stood in a pond and started throwing and splashing water on each other, especially in the eyes. The Cakravartī lost this round also.
180
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
