________________
42
When Laksmana heard this, he was annoyed. His face and eyes became red. He grinded his teeth and said "You are ruthless, and donot understand the decent language. I am here as a representative of King Bharata and I am behaving politely because an emissary of king is expected to be a man of impeccable manners. You do not deserve the courtesy. Rise-up and fight with me. King Simhodara accepted the challenge and ordered his soldiers to attack Laksmana. Laksmana pulled out a pillar meant for tying the elephants as if it was a creeper and began to attack his enemy with it. He defeated the entire army within no time. Then, he sprung high in air and mounted an elephant and pulled the uppercloth of the king, tied it around his neck and dragged him like an animal, to the forest where Rama lived.
On seeing Rama, the vanquished king hanged his head in shame and with folded hands asked for pardon. Rāma talked to him with utmost respect and made peace between him and his vassal. King Simhodara gave half of his territory to Vajrakarna. Vajrakarna gave eight of his daughters to Laksmana in marriage and King Simhodara gave away his three hundred daughters to Laksmana. He assured both of them that he would marry those three hundred and eight girls, when he would return to Ayodhyā. Later on, they left towards the mountain Malayā, in the south.
Rama and Laksmana were ardent devotees of Lord Tirthankaras; and any one who shared their faith was a brother to them. Therefore, they selflessly aided King Vajrakarna, a brethern in faith.
Diety Gokirņa serves Rāma
SE
FOSCAR
www दिलीप साकरिया
B797
