Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 38

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JAIN RAMAYAN
born to him. The first one was named Aditya; and the second one was named Raksh. Both were supremely radiant.
Once, Kishkindhi went on a pilgrimage to the Meru. He performed circumambulations around the Jin images there; and with overflowing devotion, he worshipped them. He felt greatly elated and delighted by the pilgrimage. While he was returning from there, by chance, his eyes fell on the mountain, Madhugiri. He was greatly fascinated by the grandeur of the groves, woods and the forests on the mountains. He decided to build a beautiful and uniquely attractive city on that mountain in the midst of those beautiful, natural surroundings. He was a Vidyadhar who had supreme mastery over countless arts and accomplishments. Within the twinkling of an eye, he brought into existence on that mountain a magnificent city called Kishkindhanagar which shone splendid like a gem on the golden peaks of the mountain, Madhugiri. He gave up the plan of returning to Pathal Lanka; and settled down there with his family. He lived there like Kubera coming to the Himalayas and living on its peaks.
Kishkindhi's bosom friend, Sukesh, the king of Lanka was living in Pathal Lanka, experiencing inordinate agony and anguish; and enduring calamities and torments. At the time, Queen Indrani gave birth to three sons who were named Mali, Sumali and Malyavan. They were valiant and radiant like their father Sukesh. All the three brothers possessed extraordinary physical might. They mastered countless arts and accomplishments. When they entered the phase of youth, they mastered all the arts of war and became invincible heroes.
One day, seeing that Queen Indrani's face was heavy, depressed with sorrow and distress, her first son asked her in a tone of anxiety, "Dear mother! though you have three heroic and valiant sons, why are you so deeply depressed? Why is your face bleak and blighted? You seem to be in some deep anguish. What is the cause for your sorrow? Are you displeased with us? Have we committed any serious breach or blunder ?”