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JAIN RAMAYAN
Ravan took an extraordinary interest in music and he was greatly delighted, whenever great musicians came to his court. Countless musicians came and delighted Ravan with their performances. Artists came to his court and delighted his heart by painting magnificent pictures. Dancers delighted Ravan with their fascinating performances. Great poets and writers came to his court; and he enjoyed their magnificent poetry and other creative works. He was a great patron and connoisseur of the fine arts.
Dashmukh Ravan lived a life of prosperity and luxury. He amassed a fabulous fortune. His palace had everything that anyone desired. His dinners were made delicious by delicacies brought from all over the world. In his court, there lived a large number of musicians, painters, artists, dancers, actors, actresses, poets and sculptors; and Ravan used to forget himself in the enjoyment of those arts.
Once, the story narrated by a story-teller became the source of a new event. Ravan was hearing that story.
Suryaraja, the Vanara hero was spending time happily in Kishkindha. A beautiful lady by name Indumalini was his queen. Indumalini gave birth to a son who was named Vali. Even as a boy, Vali was radiant and valiant. He was the very embodiment of heroism. He began to display his miraculous powers and abilities as soon as he stepped on the threshold of youth. He became renowned throughout Kishkindha for the miraculous feats of heroism he performed even as a boy.
Every day, as a matter of routine, he used to go round the island called Jambudweep; and worship the Jin images situated at various places, in magnificent temples. . Sometime later, Indumalini gave birth to another son. He was named Sugriv. Later, a daughter was born; and she was named Suprabha. Yaksharaja, the younger brother of Suryaraja had a beautiful wife by name Harikanta. They too had two sons. The two boys were named Nala and Nila. They were also valiant.
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