Jain Journal 1970 07

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

Page 22

JULY, 1970
adamant. Rama readily agreed to hand over the kingdom to Bharata. To allay any apprehension in the mind of Dasaratha about a probable discord among the brothers, Rama accepted a voluntary exile to the forest. But Bharata was unwilling to accept the reins of the state. He was persuaded by his father who in any case was bent upon becoming a recluse. Rama himself placed the crown on his brother's head.
Dasaratha was remorseful whem Rama and Laksmana took his leave to depart, but Aparajita's grief knew no bound when she heard of this new development. Pacifying her they moved forth. Sita also joined them. Laksmana offered his services to capture Bharata and conquer the throne but Rama dissuaded him by saying that they should honour father's word and spend sixteen years in the forest. Praying at a shrine they took the way to the forest. At daybreak, they were joined by the entire royal army which was eager to accompany them. Rama persuaded the army to return. Then they reached the bank of the formidable river Gambhira and crossed it.
With the departure of Rama, Laksmana and Sita faded the glory of Ayodhya. The universal feeling was that their own kith and kin had departed. Laksmana's absence was particularly felt,
As his worldly duties were done, Dasaratha went to a Jina shrine and courted the life of austerity and restraint.
Bharata was now the most unhappy person on earth. He was crowned by Rama against his wish. But when he heard of Rama's exile, he fell from his throne. On recovery he consoled Aparajita and promised to bring back Rama and Laksmana. Bharata overtook Rama after six days. He made a pressing request to Rama to return but Rama would not agree, since that would be dishonouring his father's pledge. Thus failing to persuade Rama, Bharata took the vow to abdicate the throne when Rama would return and came back to Ayodhya.
Rama, Laksmana and Sita moved further on. They reached Tapasavana where lived all sorts of ascetics. Then they passed through the forest settlements of hunters and herdsmen. They were now not very far from Citrakuta. When they reached the borders of the city of Dasapura, Laksmana caught sight of some one who had his head broken and who was flying in panic. He was caught and produced before Rama.
The refugee thus narrated the episode : Vajrakarna, the king of Dasapura, is a vassal of the king Simhodara. Vajrakarna is under