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XVI
THE ETHICAL EXCELLENCE OF RAVAN
Ravan reached the peaks of the Mount Meru with his followers and his army. He experienced extraordinary delight when he visited the Jin temples situated in the forest called Pandukvan; and when he worshipped the Jin's images there. The temples were remarkable for their architectural and sculptural designs. They had sky-high towers and the walls and pillars as well as the towers were carved with magnificent designs and pictures which showed the vision and genius of those artists. Ravan organized worship accompanied with music, in those temples. He performed the worship with great devotion spending large amounts of money; and he earned great merit (Punya). After the worship was over, he went with his followers to a peak of the Suvarnachal to take rest there. They sat on that peak, taking rest,
"Indeed today the worship of the Lord was grand ! How elated I feel!" Ravan's heart felt elated at the thought of the worship of the Lord that he had carried out.
"Brother! Today, our devotion for the Paramatma and our worship have filled us with great joy", Vibhishan said endorsing Ravan's opinion.
"Brother Vibhishan! What other greater duty than this can we carry out? In fact, again and again, I feel that I should give up all my responsibilities and spend all my life in the Jin temples". Ravan said expressing his innate aspiration.
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