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Nāradajis concern for his co-religionists
Naradaji, an ardent follower of Jainism, loved all his co-religionists more than himself. Therefore, he straightaway reached Ayodhya. On seeing him, the king rose in respect and having seated him with honour, Dasaratha enquired with due reverence, "O great sage, where have you come from ? what is the purpose of your visit? you look worried. Kindly tell me everything." The divine mendicant replied, "O mighty king, I have been to the Pundarikini nagari that surpasses the celestial world in granduer, to witness the Diksā ceremony of Sri Simamdharasvami. From there, I reached the topmost summits of the mountain Meru and offered my humble salutations to the great Tirthankaras. Then I reached Lanka and after paying obeisance to Lord Sri Santinātha, I reached the court of the raksasa king, Ravana. A seer in his court prophesied that your son, and King Janaka's daughter will be the cause of Ravana's death. On hearing this, Bibhişana rose, and shivering with anger, took a pledge that he would not rest until he killed both you and Janaka. I am here to inform you about this. Kindly stay alert, take care of yourself; and now allow me to depart, so that I can reach Mithila and make emperor Janaka alert." With these words, he immediately left for Mithila and gave Janaka the hor-
rifying news.
The divine sage Narada held dharma and a pious man in high esteem. His attachment to the noble and pious people was so intense that he sacrificed his own interests in order to help a fellowmen. "Service to co-fellows" was his motto and topmost priority. On the other hand, it can be argued that the virtue of both Dasaratha and Janaka was so great, that it brought sage Narada to the court of Rāvana; and they learnt about the malicious intentions of Bibhisana in time. This is how the divine machinery works. On one hand, those who excel in acquiring the worst of negative virtues design vicious plans that do not serve any purpose, except adding to the burden of their karmas. The lofty virtuous souls on the other hand, silently devastate these plans. The sage, Narada, could have put the responsibility of passing over the message to Janaka on the shoulders of King Dasaratha, but he considered service to his brothers in faith as true worship, and therefore he left at once for Mithila and personally handed over the news to King Janaka.
King Dasaratha and Janaka's retirement to the forest.
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