Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 30

JAIN RAMAYAN
message to Dhanodhadhirath that he would be visiting the Vanardweep to see the graces and glories of nature there. The king of Vanardweep was delighted to hear that Tadithkesh was visiting his country; and kept waiting impatiently, to receive him. One day, Tadithkesh went to the Vanardweep with the members of the royal family. After having gone there, he was completely absorbed in various games and sports in the garden called Nandan which was as splendid as the Nandanvan, the heavenly garden, and which was a veritable heaven.
Queen Chandra, the wife of Tadithkesh who was extremely beautiful was absorbed in playing sports in a dense part of the forest. Then, suddenly a monkey, huge in shape and size, and of massive body descended from a nearby tree and attacked the queen. The monkey scored her with its sharp nails; and all over her body there were cuts made by nails from which blood spurted out. Terrified by the sudden and unexpected attack made by the monkey, the queen screamed aloud in fear and anxiety. Her voice was shaken with fear and pain. Her throat was choked. She began to shudder with horror, shaking like a leaf.
How can ignorant creatures know when and in what manner
become victims of terrible calamities on account of their evil deeds and sinful actions ? That is why men of spiritual excellence preach to Jivas to inspire them to make endeavours to eradicate their dependence on evil deeds and to discard their sinful propensities.
As soon as Tadithkesh heard the queen's cries of distress and horror, he became greatly worried and agitated. When he found that a monkey had attacked the queen, he became mad with anger. At once, he took out of his Tunir (quiver) a sharp and pointed arrow and aimed it at the monkey.
Within the twinkling of an eye, the arrow ran through the chest of the monkey. On account of terrible pain, the monkey began crying and groaning. It began running to save its life. But how could it run away? There was no limit to its agony, After running a few steps, it tumbled down.