Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 79

Ravan's Marriage
nimity. Even if they have committed unforgivable offences, they do not have even the slightest contempt or hatred for offenders. If in the same manner any offender commits offences again, they remember his past; and do not commit the unwise act of punishing him.
67,
Great men do not even by a mistake treat with contempt an offender, remembering his past offensive actions; on the contrary, they give enough opportunities to him to rectify his errors and to reform himself. In such a situation, the offender deems it a supreme good fortune if he can, like a humble and devoted servant, render service to these great men. One who endeavours to become a great man does not think of this truth but he adopts it and step by step, he attains higher and higher levels of greatness.
Ravan knew this truth very well; hence he, at once, forgave Anadrutdev. Anadrutdev was astounded and stupefied by Ravan's magnanimity; and in consequence, he always remained a dedicated and loyal servant of Ravan.
Anadrutdev began to think of rendering some useful service to Ravan who was magnanimous and large-hearted so that he might remember him always; and so that he might not forget him.
All of a sudden, an idea flashed in his mind like a lightning. "Why should I not transform this place where Ravan attained mastery over great arts and accomplishments, into a veritable heaven ?"
This enthusiasm flowed through his veins like impetuous waves. So, within the twinkling of an eye, he transformed the Bhimaranya into a supremely splendid, supernatural and heavenly city, by means of his divine powers.
He named the city, Swayamprabha.
In the central part of the city, he created a magnificent mansion with sky-high towers. He got the palatial building built by means of various excellent sculptural decorations, and artistic engravings and carvings. It was a lordly mansion with