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148
JAIN RAMAYAN
took place with all eclat and grandeur. After the marriage, on an auspicious day, Ravan returned to Lanka with Ratnavali.
The night was still in the initial phase. Lines of radiant lights had begun to illuminate the roads, high mansions, the magnificent palace, the decorated dancing halls, the streets and squares of the city of Lanka. Sorrows, worries, desperations and despondencies were totally absent in Lanka. All were happy and peaceful. The whole atmosphere was filled with happiness, joy, pleasure, peace and satisfaction. Any beautiful young lady would feel that her beauty was nothing compared to the grandeur of Lanka.
Ravan, the King of Lanka sat in a serene mood on a throne in the top-most storey of his palace. His lustrous eyes kept watching the stars in the sky and were lost in exploring the mysteries hidden behind the spangled firmament. He was deeply absorbed in his contemplations. Every line on his face revealed that he was intent upon achieving some great ambition; and that he was visualizing the attainments that he would make in the future.
Absent-mindedly, he got up from his throne. He began walking to and fro, in the chamber; and again, he sat on the throne. He looked around; and clapped his hands.
The door-keeper entered saying, "Victory to the King”. "Call Kumbhakarna and Vibhishan”.
The door-keeper bowed his head and retreated at once. Within a short while the two brothers came in. Seeing them, Ravan got up; and came forward a few paces and embraced them affectionately.
"Dear brother! Why did you send for us at this time of the night ?" Vibhishan asked Ravan looking towards him eagerly.
"I feel immensely happy when I see you both. At once, the spring of happiness surges out of my heart”.
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