Jain Journal 1971 07

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

Page 18

18
When the news of Hanumat's capture reached Sita, her grief knew no bound.
JAIN JOURNAL
Meanwhile Hanumat was presented before Ravana. He chastised him a lot for his disloyalty and for going over to Rama's side. Hanumat too gave him a little bit of his own mind. He requested Ravana to hand over Sita to Rama and expounded at length the twelve modes of religious reflection (anuprekṣās).
Ravana was in a dilemma. He was not unaware of the consequences of adultery and yet he could not just give up Sita. He hesitated for a moment but then the question of prestige prevailed and he made a wrong choice. He abused Hanumat and asked him to stop his sermons. When he gave orders for his punishment, Hanumat realised the futility of remaining there any longer. Before any body could touch him he freed himself from the magic serpent noose and escaped over Ravana's own crest. He now damaged the royal palace and smashed the city gates.
When the news of these exploits reached Sita she was happy. She blessed him from her seat. Departing thence Hanumat came to Lankasundari and took leave. Then he mounted his air-chariot and reached Kiskindha. He delivered Sita's message and also the token crest-jewel.
Jambuvat then narrated the history of Hanumat and praised his great exploits. So did others. In an upsurge of affection Rama embraced Hanumat.
Now Rama made preparations for launching the attack on Lanka. Several battalions were mobilised and magic powers (vidyas) were properly arranged. They soon reached the ocean. The entire army was air lifted. On the way it was obstructed by Setu and Samudra at the Velandhara city but they were not only overpowered by Nala and Nila, they were even induced to transfer their allegiance to Rama which they did. The flight was resumed the next day and they reached mount Suvela. On the advice of Setu and Samudra the local ruler joined Rama's side. Now they were not very far from Lanka which could be clearly seen. The army descended and encamped at the Hamsadvipa ready to launch an attack.
Here ends Sundară Kanda.
To be continued