Jain Ramayana Part 1

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 18

JAIN RAMAYAN
“Dear ambassador ! what message have you brought ?”
"Your Excellency! Pushpottar Vidyadhar, the emperor of Ratnapur has sent me to you”.
"What is the purpose of your visit ?”
"Your Excellency! Our emperor has a son by name Padmottar who is radiant like the sun. He is a master of many arts and accomplishments; and he is also a hero of remarkable valour. If you are gracious enough to give your beautiful daughter in marriage to our prince, two noble and heroic royal families would be bound by the bondage of amity and cordiality":
On hearing the message thus delivered to him, Athindra Vidyadhar fell into deep thoughtfulness for a few moments. Having been silent for a few moments, he spoke with a calm voice : “Very good. We will surely think about it”.
After the messenger went away, Athindra Vidyadhar began searching for a suitable bridegroom for his daughter, Devi. He put an end to all his daily activities and duties. Now, he had before him only one task and that was to search for a suitable bridegroom for Devi. All of a sudden. his mind was drawn towards Lanka. At that time Kirtidhaval was the emperor of Lanka. As he contemplated on Kirtidhaval, he was greatly fascinated by his fame, his administrative system and his extraordinary heroism. Without losing even a moment's time, he carried out negotiations; made arrangements at lightning speed and celebrated the marriage of Devi with Kirtidhaval. As a result of this, Padmottar who was virtuous, noble and valiant, failed in his objective of securing the hand of Devi, in marriage.
Between Athindra Vidyadhar and Pushpottar, the emperor of Vidyadhars, there arose, knowingly or unknowingly, bitter hostility and animosity.
(3)
Once, Devi's brother, Shrikant went on a pilgrimage to Suvarnachal; and was returning to Meghpur, through the sky.