Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 41

Lanka: Its Decline and Rise
(time). At the same time, on the mountain of Kishkindha, Kishkindhi's son Aditya was crowned king of that country, with great honour. The people of the Rakshasdweep and the Vanardweep were elated with delight and joy and in a moment, they forgot the oppression, distress and despair that they had experienced in the past and began to carry out celebrations and jubilations to display their joy.
In Lanka and in the city of Kishkindha, people lighted ghee-lamps to display their jubilation. The entire atmosphere began to reverberate with the auspicious songs sung by the people. The princes had regained their kingdoms after a long time.
(3)
The anger of Ashaniveg had subsided after Andhak had been slain. After he returned to his capital, Ratanupur, a peculiar change had taken place in him. His former violence and aggressiveness had disappeared from his thoughts and actions. A sea-change, rich and strange seemed to have taken place in him. An unexampled serenity had appeared in his heart. He had grown weary of political entanglements and the daily routine of dreary involvements. At every step, he began to realize the futility and meaninglessness of Samsar. In this period of intellectual and emotional turmoil, in his heart, there sprouted the aspiration to pursue the path of salvation. I On account of the imperceptible impact of his lofty contemplations, he entertained a strong desire to renounce the Samsar; and actually, he renounced all his royal splendour, power and pelf and set out in search of sublime spiritual felicity. .***
Prince Sahasrar acceded to the throne of Ratanupur.
One day, an incident occurred. Chitrasundari, the Queenconsort of King Sahasrar was reposing on her bed in her sleeping chamber. The lights in the chamber, were glowing dimly, A cool and delightful breeze from the west was blowing into the chamber. Everywhere, the atmosphere was silent and serene. All in the palace were sleeping soundly. At such a time, Chitrasundari who happened to be in a semi-dream state. şaw a