Jain Journal 1971 07

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

Page 15

JULY, 1971
Now it so happened that the imposter was none other than Vidyadhara Sahasagati. Through his magic power he had assumed the shape of Sugriva. Laksmana first desired to break this charm and so he twanged his bow. This was enough and Sahasagati was in his true shape. His army immediately deserted him and he fell dead pierced by Rama's arrow. The real Sugriva entered the city in triumph. Rama then worshipped at the shrine of Candraprabha Jina.
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Sugriva's purpose was now achieved but he was yet to give a return to Rama about which he had not yet made any preparation. So a reminder was sent through Laksmana. Sugriva now sent his generals in all directions, himself moving to the South in the company of Jambuvat. At Kambudvipa he met with Ratnakesin whom Ravana had hurled there when he had sought to resist him in the act of abduction. He gave whatever information he had about Sita to Rama and Laksmana in whose presence he was brought.
When Sugriva came to know about the difficulties and hurdles of the job, he was not very enthusiastic. He advised Rama to give up his effort about Sita's recovery, since Ravana would be an invincible enemy whom it would be impossible to kill. But Rama was determined and more than he, Laksmana expressed his resolve to kill him single handed if necessary. Laksmana even gave a test of his ability to kill Ravana by lifting up the sacred boulder called Kotisila,-for, it was said any one who would perform this feat would be the killer of the mighty demon. Sugriva was now convinced about Laksmana's superiority over Ravana.
Hanumat consents to be Rama's Messenger
But somebody need go to Lanka first on a fact-finding mission. And none was capable of fulfilling this mission except Hanumat. So a messenger was despatched to him. But Hanumat was not favourably disposed towards Rama and Laksmana who were the enemies of Khara and Dusana. For, one of Hanumat's wives happen to be Khara's daughter. When, however, he was acquainted with the whole episode, Hanumat agreed to undertake the mission. He came to Sugriva who received him with due cordiality and honour. Rama also honoured him and gave him a message for Sita and his ring as a token.
With the message and the ring Hanumat started in his air-chariot. On the way he performed various feats. One was his victory over Mahendra, his grand parent from his mother's side. This was in fact