________________
The Conquest of Lanka
101
authorised and unjust power over Lanka. He is a heartless, cruel, shameless rogue! He is the worst of villains ! It is not proper to attack a messenger; hence, you will return from here untouched. But if I do not cut Vaishravan to pieces and throw them to the kites, my name is not Dashmukh Ravan." His thundering voice seemed to crack the skies. Dazed by his voice, the whole universe seemed to have come to a stand-still for a moment.
The messenger returned to Lanka and gave an insinuating account of what had happened at Pathal Lanka. Vaishravan began to make frenzied preparations to meet the threat of an invasion.
As soon as the messenger went away from Pathal Lanka. Dashmukh Ravan ordered his men to blow on the trumpets and to beat the battle drums. The bugles sounded. The Rakshasa army began to march towards Lanka, stepping to the sounds of the war-drums. Taking a vast army with him, Ravan set off to conquer Lanka. The three brothers prostrated at the feet of their grand-father, Sumali; their father Ratnashrava and their mother, Kaikasi and received their heartfelt benedictions. Kaikasi while blessing them with success, spoke in a voice choked with emotion. “My darling sons ! Proceed fearlessly. The goddess of Victory is standing at the gates of Lanka awaiting your arrival to garland you; and to crown your endeavours with glorious success. You must eradicate injustice; you must avenge the slaying of your grand-father Mali and you must return home triumphantly after decimating the enemies and after liberating Lanka from their cruel clutches."
As soon as the princes left the harem, Queen Mandodari came there accompanied by Tadinmala and Pankajashri, carrying holy rice-grain, fruits, coconuts and Kumkum etc. in gold plates. They placed Kumkum tilak on the foreheads of the three princes, Dashmukh Ravan, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishan; and performed Arti to them wishing them a glorious victory; and bade them farewell, with smiling faces.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
