Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 63

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The Journey to the Bhimaranya
51
Rakshasa warriors were killed in the war; and finally your grand-father Mali also was slain. The Rakshasas and the Vanaras experienced a humiliating defeat. Indra made his loyal and faithful warrior Vaishravan the king of Lanka; and handed over the kingdom of Lanka to him; and we utterly despondent, had to take refuge in Pathal Lanka".
"Alas! We lost the kingdom of Lanka ! The Rakshasa dynasty came to be derided by people. The accomplishments of the Rakshasas, their progress and prosperity were destroyed and cast in the dust; and your grand-father and father have been spending days in Pathal Lanka in a pitiable manner, waiting for an opportunity to regain their lost kingdom. My heart breaks when I think of the miserable condition of the Rakshasa dynasty. I often feel that death is preferable to this disgraceful existence. Our enemies are ruling over Lanka; and we in utter helplessness have been leading a miserable existence, here in Pathal Lanka. What a terrible irony of fate! What a mockery of nature !
And all of a sudden, fire and fiery flames began to rain from Kaikasi's eyes. Her fair and white face began to flame red with anger; and she began to shake with indignation. She spoke in a thundering voice : ...
"Until I see the plunderers of Lanka licking the dust in utter disgrace; and until I see those plunderers begging for food in the lanes and streets of Lanka, I cannot have peace of mind. My dearest children! Tell me when I will become the greatest of all mothers in this world? When will it be known throughout the world that my sons have attained immortal fame as mighty heroes ? I have grown weak mentally and physically, cherishing these aspirations which are like sky-flowers. My beautiful body has become withered and now I am but a skeleton. I fear that the time has come for my losing my eyes because of ceaseless weeping and the flow of tears like cataracts”.
On hearing her words filled with anguish, the three youngsters were greatly moved; and their hearts broke, in pieces. For a few moments all were silent. Silence and stillness prevail