Jain Journal 1969 10

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

Page 33

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with him. Accordingly an envoy was despatched. But even before the envoy could reach Ravana's court, Narada informed Ravana of the coming arrival of the messenger and of the political design underlying it. Remembering some services done to him by Ravana, he strongly advised him not to accept the offer of friendship as at that moment Indra was weaker of the two.
JAIN JOURNAL
The messenger came and was duly received. He conveyed to Ravana Indra's desire for friendship with him and his offer of the hands of his daughter Rupavati. Ravana replied, "Hand over to me all the cities on the Vijayardha and we are friends, or prepare tomorrow for war." Through the envoy he also communicated to Indra his resolve to enter a blazing fire if he failed to vanquish him in the battle.
jai tam jinami na ahayane
to appau ghattami jālāmālāule jalane
It was a deadly battle and many heroes fell on both the sides. At last Ravana and Indra confronted each other. But Indra was no match to the youthful vigour of Ravana and he was soon taken a captive. This decided the fate of the war. Hundreds of Indra's stalwarts were now taken prisoners and all along with Indra, were brought to Lanka. Sahasrara, Indra's father begged for his son's life. Ravana released Indra along with his vassals on their agreeing to serve as menials in his palace. But Indra gave up his kingdom and renounced the world.
After Indra's defeat, Ravana went to the summit of Mandara on pilgrimage. While returning from there he heard that Anantaratha had just attained kevala-jñāna. So he went there to pay his homage to him and at the insistence of a Jaina monk present there, Ravana took the vow of not accepting any woman against her wishes.
Birth of Hanumat
Mahendra was the king of the city of Mahendra. He had a beautiful daughter called Anjana. When Anjana grew up, Mahendra set out in search of a groom suitable for her. He came to Mount Astapada where many Vidyadharas were assembled to celebrate aṣṭāṇhikā festival and at last decided to offer the hands of his daughter to Pavananjaya, son of Prahlada, the king of Ravipura. Now, Pavananjaya, smitten with love desired to see his would-be-bride before marriage. So he came with his friend Prahasita and saw her through the window of her bedchamber. Anjana's friend Vasantamala was congratulating her for