________________
22
On reaching Mithila, king Janaka straightaway headed to the harem and revealed everything that had transpired between him and King Candragati. Queen Videhā sobbed, "Alas! the merciless destiny is giving me mighty blows one after another. Years ago my newborn infant was separated from me! and now the illfate is about to befall on my beloved daughter. Oh worthy King, even a poorest man amongst your subjects has freedom to marry his daughter to a man of his choice and look at us! We cannot marry Sitā to Rama. If Rama fails to string the bow we will be left with no alternative except complying to the desire of Candragati."
King Janaka assured her thus, "Do not worry my worthy consort ! Let us not forget that Rama is the descendent of the first Tirthankara Lord Rsabhadeva. I am sure, he would lift these divine bows like dried creepers and string them. I have seen him in the battlefield. He was moving like a whirlwind slaying the enemies. I am certain that Rama and Rama alone would marry our daughter Sita.
Later on, king ordered his artisans to erect a pandal. The pair of bow was placed in the pandal. He also sent his emissaries to the kings and princes in the surrounding areas. They arrived Mithila and were seated in the pandal.
Sītā's Svayamvara
Les
GS
Bedecked in finest attire and jewellery, Sita entered the pandal of Svayamvara along with her friends and maids and worshiped the auspicious bows. Then, she stood in a special place reserved for her. She was carrying a garland of the choicest flowers. Though her facial expressions exhibited modesty and coyness, she looked a perfect picture of confidence and poise. Bhamandala, who saw Sita for the first time in person was once again smitten by Cupid. He thought, 'How true was the divine saint Narada when he said that words failed to describe her beauty and most gifted hands too cannot capture her beauty in painting.
The pratihari-chief gatekeeper announced that the noble youth who would string any one of the bows will incidentally marry Sita. After the announcement, young princes rose and one by one went near the altar, where the bows were placed, but none of them dared to touch the divine bows because they were surrounded by mighty flames and poisonous cobras hissing menacingly. Those desirous of marrying Sita would some how reach near the altar but would get struck by terror when they saw the flickering tongues of fire and the cobras. They would hang their heads in shame and return to their seats. Candragati watched these proceedings disdainfully. He was confident that finally Sita would marry Bhamandala. Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
