Jain Journal 1971 07

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

Page 14

PAUMACARIU
(from Vol. V No. 2)
SVAYAMBHUDEVA
SUNDARAKANDA
Alliance with Sugriva
At Kiskindhapura where Sugriva was the king, an imposter had cropped up who claimed Tara, Sugriva's wife, as his own. In the encounter Sugriva was defeated. So he thought of seeking the assistance of Khara and Dusana to reestablish his claim on Tara. When however, he came to know of their demise at the hands of Laksmana, he approached Viradhita with a request to make him the ally of Rama and Laksmana.
The interesting fact about the Tara episode was that though Sugriva was her master, the imposter was indistinguishable from Sugriva. The identity was so perfect that even a close associate like Hanumat was unable to distinguish the real Sugriva from the imposter. On Sugriva's behalf Jambuvat narrated his misfortune to Rama and Laksmana. Laksmana promised to restore Tara to real Sugriva and in return the latter promised to do the needful to bring the tidings about Sita within a week.
-Jain Education International
They marched to Kiskindhapura. A messenger was despatched to the imposter but he was insulted. As misfortune would have it, in the duel that followed Sugriva fared no better than he did the first time nor was Laksmana able to render any assistance since the two were alike. Sugriva was mortified at the express indifference of his ally.