________________
98
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Then brother, you tell me what we should do". : "Come on. We shall sit in the deep shadow of that Ashoka tree and think about it". The two brothers went; and sat in the shadow of the Ashoka tree which stood nearby. Vibhishan explained, in detail, his plans to Kumbhakarna; and also pointed out what they should do at present.
The sun-god of the thousand radiant rays, sat on his resplendent throne in the centre of the sky. Both of them flew up into the air; and within a fraction of a second, they reached the tops of the sky-high towers of the city, where they had placed the battle-drums and trumpets in a safe place. Four sentinels who were as ferocious as lions stood guard there, with the utmost vigilance. Kumbhakarna roaring like a lion, slew and threw down one of them with one stroke of his mighty mace. The other three tried to face him. But how could they stand against the mighty sons of Kaikasi ? Within a few moments, they were also slain.
What else was there to be done? Then Kumbhakarna beat on the drums with all his might. Vibhishan blew on the trumpets. On hearing the noises of the trumpets and battle-drums, all the valiant warriors, potentates and soldiers gathered in the courtyard of the palace. Virendra, the Commander wondering what he should do, at once, rushed to King Vaishravan....
"What is this sudden call for war? Who has made it ?" He asked the King with his eyes widened with wonder.
LYS
"I too have been wondering why you allowed the trumpets to be blown without giving me prior intimation.” King Vaishravan expressed his shock. "It is likely that this is some consp of the sons of Kaikasi. We must make a thorough search and find out the truth".
Virendra, the Commander, at once, rushed to the spot, where the trumpets had been kept. Fire flamed out through his ferocious eyes. His body was shaking with anger. He shouted to his soldiers with an enraged voice "Go, at once! Wherever those
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org