________________
The Conquest of Lanka
the attendant who had brought the happy news; and she also announced that celebrations should be carried out in the temple of Lord Shantinath glorifying him. She also gave orders that gifts should be given to the poor and the destitute; and to those who were crippled or disabled. She also, ordered that officers should go through the city riding on elephants and distribute sweets to the people of the city. Her joy knew no
bounds.
Kumbhakarna, who was a veritable Kalabhairav; and Vibhishan who was a man of great wisdom and discernment began planning the conquest of Lanka in order to fulfil their mother's long-cherished aspiration.
93
"Vibhishan! Why should we not go straight and break the bones of Vaishravan and give him a good licking? We shall go and rout him and make him lick the dust," Kumbhakarna said in intense emotional excitement; stamping the ground with his feet.
"Dear brother! This is not a difficult thing for us. I am thinking of something else", said Vibhishan.
"What are you thinking of? Let me also know it".
"First, we should create havoc, harassing him and confounding him. We should first worry and agitate him by our violent dance of destruction; and see how he reacts to it".
Pausing a little, Vibhishan said this, explaining his plan.
"Ready! I am ready! Let us set off at once", said Kumbhakarna, taking up his mace and issuing a war-cry.
Both were valiant.
Both were great warriors with extraordinary abilities and attainments.
Both were overflowing with irrepressible enthusiasm and courage.
Both were warriors of such heroism that the darkness of a dreadful night could not daunt them; that the ferocious roars
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org