Jain Journal 1972 01

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

Page 36

PAUMA CARIU
(from the previous issue)
SVAYAMBHUDEVA
UTTARA
KANDA
Reunion with Sita: Departure for Ayodhya
After Ravana's death, the leading members of Ravana's family including Indrajit, Kumbhakarna and Mandodari renounced the world and joined the religious order. Then Vibhisana took Rama to the Nandana Park to meet Sita. The two met with great feeling. Then it was time for a triumphal entry into Lanka. Rama with all his allies entered the great city and proceeded to the temple of Santinatha Jina to offer his prayer. Rama sang in praise of the Tirthankara. Now Vibhisana was crowned king of Lanka. Rama, Laksmana and Sita remained there. Other girls whom the two brothers had married on their way from Ayodhya also joined them here. Six years passed in this way. One day the wandering sage Narada arrived there. He brought news about Rama's mother Sukosala who had grown old and was suffering from physical disabilities. Besides, the pang of long separation deeply bore on her health. Rama was now decided to return home without any further delay. For, mother and motherland are even above heaven.
niya janmabhumi jaṇaniye sahiya sagge vi hoi ai-dullahiya
So the aerial chariot was made ready for Rama and his party to fly back to Ayodhya. It was indeed a pleasant journey full of reminiscences of the recent past. It was a great pleasure to point out from the chariot all the important places connected with their life in exile, and particularly with the Sita episode.