Jain Journal 1969 10

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

Page 34

OCTOBER, 1969
getting a husband like Pavananjaya but another said, "Compared to Vidyutprabha, Pavananjaya is nothing." This enraged Pavananjaya but he was debarred by his friend to do anything rash. He, then decided to punish Anjana after marriage for the casual observation made by her friend by deserting her for twelve years.
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The marriage was celebrated but as per his resolve Pavananjaya became indifferent to her. In the meanwhile Ravana went to war with Varuna and laid seize to his city. Varuna's sons took Khara and Dusana captive and they retired with Varuna to their watery castle. Lest his brothers-in-law be killed Ravana removed the seize and sent directives to the Vidyadharas of all islands. One such came to Pavananjaya who started forthwith. Now, when he was encamped on the bank of Manasa lake, his love was enkindled at the sight of a bewailing female cakravāka who was somehow separated from her husband. Pavananjaya became repentant for his neglect of Anjana and immediately flew to her quarter across the sky with his friend Prahasita. Pavananjaya and Anjana grasped each other with a passionate embrace.
Pavananjaya left after a night's stay leaving his armlet and girdle as the evidence of his secret arrival. But these did not convince Anjana's mother-in-law when she found her pregnant. She was turned out of the palace and the city. In the company of her friend Vasantamala, Anjana now sought the shelter of her father's house. But this too was refused to her. Utterly exhausted and broken, they entered into a frightful forest and took shelter in the Paryanka cave where sage Amitagati practised austerities. Being asked, the sage told her that in her previous existence she threw away a Jina idol worshipped by her co-wife out of ill-will, hence her present suffering. But worst days of her were now over. Henceforth she will enjoy all blessings. He also told that the child would be a great hero and get emancipation in this life. Then he departed. A son was born to Anjana in this cave.
One day Pratisurya, the king of Hanuruha, was flying across the sky. He saw them and coming down enquired about them. Vasantamala introduced Anjana and related their tale of woe. With tears in his eyes he introduced himself as her maternal uncle and persuaded Anjana to go to his palace. While flying in the air-chariot, the child slipped down on a mountain beneath which was crushed under the child's weight. The Vidyadhara's picked up the child and restored him to his mother. He was named Sundara, for he was very beautiful, Srisaila, because he crushed the mountain by his fall and Hanumat as he was reared up in the Hanuruha island.