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250
JAIN RAMAYAN
After the coronation was over, Indra left the palace without experiencing any pangs and came out. He prostrated to his father and obtained his blessings. He took leave of his relatives, friends and courtiers and went to the garden to meet Muni Nirvansangam. Large numbers of people went behind him. They were all grieved to see their king pursuing the path of renunciation. The tears were flowing from their eyes. Indra saluted the Gurudev humbly and entreated him to initiate him into the Charitradharma. Muni Nirvansangam gave the Deeksha to Indra and showed him the way to spiritual elevation.
In this manner, within a short time, King Indra became Muni Indra.
Meanwhile, Ravan, the King of Lanka received the auspicious news that on the Meru mountain, Maharshi Anantviraya had attained Kevaljnan.
Ravan was greatly delighted by the news. At once, he sat in his Pushpak Viman and arrived on the peaks of the Suvarnachal mountain. Already, there was an endless stream of gods and goddesses all of whom had come by supernatural airships to bestow their benedictions upon him and to congratulate him. A beautiful and resplendent lotus of gold had been made. The Kevalinani was seated on it; and held all spell-bound by his sublime sermons.
Ravan saluted the Maharshi respectfully; and sat near him. The sermon that the Maharshi was delivering was flowing like
was sweeter than sugar and cooler than sandal paste. There was a blessing in his gentle voice; which resounded in the souls of the listeners.
After the sermon ended, the heavenly beings sat in their airships and returned to their places. But Ravan sat silent and still. One question kept reverberating in his mind : “How am I going to die ?" He was eager to know his future.
"Oh lord ! You know and you can see the churning that is going on in my mind. Be so gracious as to solve my problem".
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