________________
The Ethical Excellence of Ravan
239
from his son. In his heart, there was great anguish. His face had become completely withered. His body was shaky. He said in a humble voice.
"Oh King! I have come to your doors to beg for my son's release. I am not at all ashamed of begging you for this favour. Why should any one feel ashamed of begging a favour from a superhuman hero who has with ease lifted the Ashtapad mountain ? Oh, you King of Lanka! I do not seek anything else from you. Kindly, release my son from captivity and send him with me".
Ravan was silent for a while. For a few minutes he was lost in deep thoughtfulness. Then, he said in an elevated voice.
"Revered Sahastrar ! I am absolutely ready to release Indra but you will have to satisfy certain conditions”.
"Kindly tell me what those conditions are”, said Sahastrar cagerly when he saw a ray of hope shining out.
"These are the conditions which are to be fulfilled. He will have to do menial jobs in our city with his Dikpalakas (Governors of the various directions);
*They will have to clean the lanes and roads of Lanka; *They will have to sprinkle water on the roads of Lanka;
*They will have to make garlands of flowers and bring them to the temple. And they will also have to do such menial tasks as I command them to do. Do you agree to these conditions ?”
On hearing the conditions put forth by Ravan Sahastrar fell into deep thoughtfulness. His agitation and grief knew no bounds. He did not know what he should do. He wondered what he should do in such a situation. There arose before him a strange problem. If his son had to be released, he would have to do low and menial jobs. He wondered whether his son would agree to this. If he did not get his son released he would have to suffer terrible anguish and die in great sorrow. He thought for a few moments; then he came to a decision. He agreed to fulfil Ravan's conditions. Accordingly, Indra was released by Ravan. Sahastrar returned to Ratanupur taking Indra with him.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
