Jain Journal 1969 10

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

Page 30

PAUMACARIU
(from the previous issue) SVAYAMBHUDEVA
Ravana considered himself to be the mightiest king and enquired if any other was mightier than himself. He was told that Suryarava's son Vali was considered to be the most powerful in the three worlds. He excelled all both in speed and strength and he had accepted samyaktva and had vowed not to bow his head to any one except a Jina. But one courtier advised Ravana against starting a conflict since they and the line of Monkey dynasty were on friendly terms from the days of Srikantha and had shared in joy and sorrow together.
In the meanwhile when Ravana went to marry Tanudari, his sister Candranakhi was abducted by Khara and Dusana, who also by killing Candrodara occupied Patala Lanka. On his return, when Ravana heard all these he became furious and wanted to march against Khara and Dusana. But Mandodari dissuaded him. Instead, at her suggestion, Maya and Marica were sent to solemnise the marriage of Candranakhi with Khara who was also crowned as king of Patala Lanka.
Ravana now sent a messenger to Vali. He recounted to Vali the history of their family friendship and advised him to go to Ravana to pay regards. But Vali turned down the offer. Then he rudely said: "Come and salute Ravana or meet him in war." But Vali was not a king to bow. So Ravana marched on to meet him with his army. At the suggestion of the minister Vipulamati to avoid large-scale carnage they agreed to meet in a duel. It was indeed a wonderful feat but at last Vali lifted up Ravana along with his air-chariot. Thus curing Ravana of his pride, Vali relinquished the throne in favour of his brother Sugriva, advised him to serve Ravana and himself joined the religious order under Muni Gaganacandra. Sugriva gave his sister Sriprabha in marriage to Ravana and half the kingdom to Vali's son Sasikirana. He sent Nala and Nila, the sons of Iksurava to Kiskupura. Sugriva himself married Sutara, daughter of Jvalanasikha, the king of Northern Range and had two sons by her Anga and Angada.