Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 90

78
JAIN RAMAYAN
with deep concentration. On hearing the name of the great hero Dashmukh Ravan, she began to dream of a sweet and happ life with him. But when she found that her father was looki for her, she came out of her hiding place; and approached her father as if she knew nothing.
"Come on dear! Do you know how long your mother has been looking for you ?”
“Then, leaving the mother and daughter together in that chamber, he quietly returned to his chamber.
Queen Hemavathi took Mandodari into her lap with overflowing joy and affection; and said, "Dear daughter ! now, we have to get ready".
"Mother! What for ?” She asked her mother as if she knew nothing about it.
"To go to your father-in-law's house !"
Mandodari's face reddened with shyness. She blushed to the brims of her being. She kept silently scratching the floor with her feet.
"Dear daughter! How will it be if we celebrate your marriage with Dashmukh Ravan, the grand-son of Sumali ? Do you like it ?" Hemavathi kept looking at her daughter, to know her mind, regarding the alliance.
"Mother dear! Why should you ask me about it? Whatever you do, you do only for my happiness; don't you ?"
In accordance with the king's wish, the Chief Minister set off to Swayamprabha, on an auspicious day, accompanied by some chief courtiers and dignitaries. How long would Vidyadhars who can fly through the sky, take to reach that city ? They were soon at Swayamprabha. The door-keepers, at once, approached Sumali and informed him of the arrival of the guests from the city of Surasangit.
At once, Sumali came out; received the guests with open arms; took them into his court; and showed them to proper seats. When they were all seated, he asked them :