________________
An Incident in the Royal Court
12i
Dashmukh heard every word of Mandodari with deep concentration. He was greatly amazed at her shrewdness, political wisdom and practical sense.
Mandodari always led Ravan on the path of peace. Not only this; her aspiration was to provide an ethical foundation to his political policies and to enhance his glory and greatness. She knew very well that if Khar came to know of this he would develop amity and affection for Dashmukh Ravan and that he would remain a loyal political ally to Ravan.
Kumbhakarna and Vibhishan also endorsed the opinion of Mandodari, with one voice. As a result of this, Ravan sent for Maya and Maricha, and ordered them to go to Pathal Lanka.
The two Rakshasas went to Pathal Lanka; and in accordance with Ravana's instructions, they celebrated the marriage of Chandranakha and Khar; crowned him king of Pathal Lanka and returned to Lanka.
The wheel of time continued to revolve; and some years passed.
In course of time, the political policies and administration of Lanka were established on sound foundations. Ravan was greatly admired for his political wisdom and his excellent administrative measures in all the countries in and around Vaithadhya. Dashmukh Ravan was a great military hero and a fearless and invincible warrior; he was also a great lover of the graces and glories of nature. He was extremely sensitive to the beauties of nature. In his court, he used to arrange discussions. Many subjects were discussed by experts in those various fields; and they tried to establish the truth. There used to be discussions on the various aspects of the country's foreign policy, its relations with other countries, the progress or backwardness of the various countries, out of intellectual curiosity. Scholars, specialists and experts used to discuss many puzzling problems of state policy. Just as warriors were honoured and rewarded, even artists were honoured and rewarded. On every important occasion, they were thus honoured and rewarded.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
