Jain Journal 1969 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 37

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JAIN JOURNAL
Long after this, Kaikasi dreamt that a lion, after tearing open the temples of an elephant, entered into her womb and that the sun and the moon sat in her lap. Ratnasrava interpreted these dreams: “You will give birth to three sons, the eldest of whom will be a Universal Monarch of formidable prowess.” In due course Kaikasi gave birth to Ravana, Bhanukarna, Candranakhi and Vibhisana.
Ravana was adventurous from the early boyhood. One day while playing Ravana entered the family treasure-house where was kept a precious necklace from the time of Toyadavahana. It had nine gems shaped like planets and guarded by venomous snakes. Ravana readily placed it round his neck. Immediately there were reflections of his face on the nine gems and he came to be known as Dasamukha (Ten-headed).
ten dahamuhu dahasiru jaņeņa kiu pañcāņaņau jem pasidhi gau.
This feat on the part of the child pleased not only his parents but also Kiskindha, Iksurava, Suryarava and they saw in him the highest hope and promise of their lines.
Once Ravana seeing Vaisravana pass across the sky asked his mother who he was. She replied: 'He is your cousin-brother. He brought infamy to us by going over to our enemies and usurped our ancestral home Lanka.” Hearing this, the three brothers went to the terrible forest Bhimavana for mastering vidyās. They had to encounter difficulties and temptations but they remained steadfast, particularly Ravana, and in consequence he acquired a thousand vidyās. Ravana then founded the city called Svayamprabha and built a shrine called Sahasrasikhara. On hearing his prosperity, his friends and relatives came to join him from Kisku and Patala Lanka.
Ravana's Marriage : Lanka Reconquered
Through five-meal fasts Ravana came to possess the magic sword Candrahasa. He then set out on a pilgrimage to Mount Meru. During his absence, Maya and Marica arrived there with the charming princess Mandodari. On his return from Mount Meru, Ravana married Mandodari and had two sons by her, Indrajita and Ghanavahana.
On another occasion, he married six thousand Gandharva damsels by defeating the army of Surasundara.