Book Title: Jain Ramayan
Author(s): Gunratnasuri
Publisher: Jingun Aradhak Trust

View full book text
Previous | Next

Page 88
________________ Kumbhakarna and others embrace an ascetic life When the dual nature of the world is understood by a person, he seeks solace in only ascetic life, and the merciful providence never lets him down. Kumbhakarna and the others realised the transitory nature of the world. They were eagerly waiting for the arrival of some lofty soul, who would lead them to the eternal path, and their virtue brought Muni Aprameyabala in the garden called Kusumāyudha. The sage had mastered on the four branches of knowledge. He received the ultimate kevalagyana during his sojourn at the Kusumāyudha garden. The dieties descended to celebrate the joyous occasion. Rama, Lakşmana, Kumbhakarna and others rushed to pay their respects to the sage. Indrajit and Meghavahana were so impressed by the knowledge and the oratory of the sage that they asked him questions related to their former lives. When they heard, how their souls had travellled from one body to another since ages, they reached the summit of disgust. Finally, Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, Meghavahana and Mandodari embraced the ascetic life. Rāma enters Lankā King Simhodara and others, who had promised to give their daughters to Laksmana, reached Lankā with their retinue. Laksmana was married to those Princesses. Indrajit and Meghavahana, who had embraced the austere life of mendicants, performed rigorous penance and ultimately found emancipation at Vindhyācala. This place later on became famous as Megharatha. The sage Kumbhakarna found emancipation on the banks of river Narmada. This place became famous as Prstarakṣita. Rama, Laksmana and the commanders ceremoniously entered Lanka. They received a spontaneous welcome from the citizens of Lankā. They straightaway rushed to the Devaramana garden and met Sita, who was eagerly waiting for their arrival. Laksmana, Sugriva and Hanumana bowed down to Sita. From there, they rushed to the palatial temple of Lord Santinātha. Bibhisana had already made arranagements for an elaborate puja. Best of the flowers, fruits and sweets were arranged at the altar. Saffron, sandalwood paste and uncooked rice was placed in the golden bowls. Fragrant insenses and exotic lamps added an enigmatic touch to the sanctum sanctorium. Rāma, Laksmana, Sita and others performed a elaborate pujana. From the temple, they went to the royal court. Pointing at the exquisite throne, Bibhisana said, "Lankā, the island which belonged to the demonic clan, is now yours. Pray, ascend this throne and take what is rightfully yours. I would prefer to be a soldier in your army. I appeal you as a citizen of Lanka and as a sole survivor of the royal family." Rama said, "Have you forgotten what I promised you when you joined my side. I had promised you that the throne of Lankā will be yours after our victory. I think your selfless devotion towards me has inspired you to speak thus, but I shall not rest until your coronation." Rama summoned the high priests and selected an auspicious day for the coronation. After the grand coronation, they went to the palace of Rāvana. At Ayodhyā, Kausalya and Sumitrā were very tense and worried because they hadn't received any news of Rama, Laksmana and Sita. One day, Sage Nārada arrived Ayodhyā. When he met Kausalya and Sumitrā, he asked them the reason of their worries. They told him the entire account beginning from the departing of Rama to the Visalya's journey to Lanka. They were aware that a great battle was being fought between Rama - Laksmana on one side and the demon king Rāvana on the other side, but they didn't knew whether Rama and Laksmana were dead or alive. They were unaware whether the battle was over yet. They knew about Ravana's strength and his mastery over magic and withcraft, but they did not know whether Rama and Laksmana could endure the wrath of Ravana. When the Sage Narada heard about the plight of Kausalya and Sumitrā, he promised them that he would visit Lankā personally, and bring Rama, Laksmana and Sita back. For preaves of Waldrajit and Meghavahana, refer appendix-6 dechavahana refer annendiy. For Personal & Private Use Only For www.jainelibrary.org

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142