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Courteous Rāma, Laksmana and Sītā in Avanti
After leaving the percints of Ayodhya: Rama, Laksmana and Sitä passed through Cittoda region and entered Avanti. They sat beneath a huge banyan tree. When they observed the surrounding region, they felt as if there was a mass exodus, not very long ago. Out of curiosity, Rama asked a passerby, "This region looks as if it was occupied by highly civilized people not very long ago. How has it become desolate? Did an epidemic strike in this area which resulted into this devastation? or did some king desirous of extending the boundaries of his territory attacked it?" The passerby answered, "The Avanti region is ruled by King Simhodara. His vassal Vajrakarna ruled Dasangapura. He is a devotee of the sage Pritivardhana, and has taken a vow that he would never bow down in front of anyone except Lord Arihanta, but since he was a vassal, he had to bow down before his master Simhodara. He therefore, got a small icon of Munisuvratasvami carved in a gem and set in a ring. He wore the ring in his finger while visiting his master. Instead of bowing down before the king, he would gaze at the mini icon in his ring and bowed down to it. This served two purposes. The vassal would not break his vow and the king would feel that Vajrakarna is offering him respect. However, one day the king learnt the truth. His pride was hurt. He considered the purest devotion as an act of treason and decided to kill Vajrakarņa. A jain layperson informed Vajrakarna
about the king's evil design.
The vassal sent a meassage to his lord, "My master, I do not possess pride and vanity as you think, but I have taken a vow that I shall not bow down before anyone except Jineśvara Arihanta. am not an audacious man, but I will not bow down before you." On receiving this message, the angry king has seized Dasangapura. The terrified citizen have fled to save their lives and property. This has made the region look desolate."
On hearing this; Rama, Laksmana and Sita reached Daśangapura. Rama sent Lakşmana to the court of the emperor as his emissary. Laksmana met the king and said, "O mighty ruler, I bring you the message of my brother Bharata, the ruler of Ayodhyä. He would like me to convey you this message, 'Your vassal Vajrakarna' has taken a vow that he will not bow down before any one except the Jineśvara, instead of lauding his devotion, you have seized his territory. I request you not to harass him." King Simhodara lost his temper when he heard this message. He misjudged Laksmana's strength and abilities because Lakşmana, at that time, was dressed up like a humble pilgrim. He shouted, "Who is this stupid Bharata who is partial to my vassal? have never heard of him or his dynasty nor do I acknowledge the pauper who has the nerve to enter my royal court and talk with me like this..."
King Simhodara, as a prisioner infront of Rāma
MOOD
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