Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 34

JAIN RAMAYAN
perity of Lanka. He began to feel that food, drinks, sports and games were insipid, tasteless and illusory. He decided to hand over the administration to Prince Sukesh and to discard his attachment for his kingdom and to divest himself of his responsibilities as the king of Lanka.
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King Tadithkesh became a Rajarshi in a short time. For a long time, he lived a life of absolute purity and prosperity; and having achieved liberation from all his Karmas, he attained the Parampad (the supreme state).
Dhanodadhirath, the king of Vanardweep was a bosom friend of Tadithkesh. When Tadithkesh had renounced the Samsar, would he hesitate even a little to follow the path of renunciation chosen by his friend? So, he too became a Shraman; and began to pursue the righteous path of renuncia
tion.
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After Tadithkesh renounced the Samsar, Prince Sukesh was crowned king of Lanka. The king of Kishkindha began to rule over Vanardweep.
At that time, Mandirmali, the greatest of the Vidyadhars was ruling over Adityapuri situated in the midst of the magnificent and incomparable mountain-range of Vaithadhya. He had a beautiful daughter by name Shrimala.
As soon as Shrimala stepped on the threshold of youth, her father, Mandirmali, the emperor of Vidyadhars began to search for a suitable bridegroom for her. He planned a Swayamvar (a ceremony prevalent in ancient India in which the bride chose her husband). He extended a warm invitation to all the kings of Vidyadhars, princes and heirs - - designate. Kishkindhi, the king of Vanardweep also came to Adityapur to attend the Swayamvar. The hall of the Swayamvar was filled with the kings of Vidyadhars. Only the princess Shrimala had not yet entered the hall. All were eagerly awaiting her arrival. Mandirmali, the emperor of Vidyadhars sat on his golden throne which had been studded with precious stones.