Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 62

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JAIN RAMAYAN
existence of this brother of theirs. They never knew that they had another brother. He was their half-brother; and now they heard about him.
Kaikasi said this about that brother of theirs : "Dear children! You have an aunt. She and I are the daughters of Vyomabindu, the valiant emperor of Vidyadhars. Kaushika is his first daughter; and I am his younger daughter. Kaushika was married to Vishrava, the king of Vidyadhars. In course of time, she gave birth to a son. He was by birth radiant and valiant. He was named Vaishravan. He grew up to be a young man of extraordinary abilities and accomplishments. He mastered all the arts and sciences. Indra, the emperor of the Vidyadhars was astonished by his exceptional talents and attainments. Indra reposed great trust and confidence in him; and he was loyal and faithful to Indra. He came to be considered as one of the ablest warriors of Indra, the unique king”.
"But dear mother ! How did Vaishravan become the king of Lanka ?” Dashmukh asked his mother in a serious and grave tone, interrupting her.
Kaikasi heaved a deep and long sigh; glanced at her sons; and then said in a heavy and sad voice.
"I am also saying the same thing. All the Vidyadhars residing in Vaithadhya were greatly fascinated by the fame and popularity of Indra, the king of Vidyadhars. All of them became his loyal and faithful followers, with the result that Indra's arrogance and sense of self-importance knew no bounds. Your grand-father's elder brother, Mali became vexed and agitated when he heard about the story of Indra's fame. His arrogance filled him with apprehensions. He got wild with rage; and without any provocation he invaded Ratanupur. Sumali tried his best to prevent the war. At the time of setting off on the campaign, many bad omens were witnessed. He pointed them out to Mali; and prevailed upon him to give up his plan of invading Ratanupur. But he did not pay heed to his warnings. Consequently, a terrible war took place between Indra and Mali, your grand-father. Countless Vanara warriors and