________________
Vali, the Valiant
133
hand of Ravan, absolutely ineffective. When Vali picked with his left hand Ravan himself and threw him up like a ball; what could Chandrahas do ?
The Rakshasa heroes like Kumbhakarna, Vibhishan, Indrajit and Meghavahan were stunned and stupefied and kept staring at Ravan who was performing somersaults in the air. They stood breathless watching the extraordinary event. Meanwhile, Vali performed not one or two but four circumambulations around the island of Jambudweep. He performed four complete circumambulations.
The condition of Ravan who had been thrown up into the sky was pitiable. He had been bitterly humiliated. He could not bear with the humiliation that Vali had inflicted upon him in the presence of thousands of warriors and soldiers. His pride and his sense of self-importance were deeply offended. Ravan who was a reputed hero; and who had mastered a thousand accomplishments was defeated and disgraced by Vali. He was absolutely powerless against Vali. This was a terrible mockery of fate.
After having performed four circumambulations around the Jambudweep, Vali descended to earth. It was only then that he released Ravan. Ravan's head was bent in shame and disgrace. His usually radiant face became dull and depressed. It was as if the prince had become a pauper and a haughty lord had become a humble liegeman on one side, there was the Rakshasa army and on the other side there was the Vanara army. Between them stood Vali and Ravan.
Vali sent his eye over his vast army; and said in a voice which was like thunder rolling in the sky :
"There is no one in this world whom I salute and whom I worship except the omniscient Arihant. I will not bow my head to anyone else in this Universe. Fie upon your hatred caused
your pride and false sense of prestige on account of which you tried to subjugate me and to make me surrender to you. You tried to subjugate me on account of your intolerance; and
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org