Jain Ramayana Part 1

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

Page 95

The Commencement of the Triumphal Marches
83
beauty of form than Kamadeva, the god of love, they felt greatly fascinated by him. Their eyes met the eyes of Ravan; and the damsels became infatuated with him. On account of his únexampled beauty of form and on account of his extraordinary grace and handsomeness, Dashmukh Ravan easily became the sole lord of their dream-land. Hence, they all became eager to win his favour.
Padmavathi, Ashoklata and Vidhyutprabha were like the diadems in the crown of the bevy of those beautiful Vidyadhar damsels. Coming out of the water, putting on their dress, those damsels who had been ensnared by Ananga, the god of love stood in a line. They desired to converse with him. But their Lips quivered with their overpowering passions and emotion. Words got choked in their throat. All of them stood with heads bowed in shyness, scratching the earth with their toes.
The effect of passion and emotion is such that it takes away the power of speech.
Summoning up some strength and courage, Padmavathi said, “My dear lord! At your very sight, we have lost our mental peace. Really, you must be a great magician to ensnare our hearts thus :
“Dearest one! I too am in a critical condition".
For a few moments, there was silence everywhere.
They were wondering what should be said; and what should not be said. They were both unable to say anything. Nothing occurred to them to say out. The stillness of the silence was becoming a burden to them.
Just then, Ashoklata who was talkative said, “Then, you kindly accept us and give us a place at your feet”
Dashmukh Ravan also desired this. He married the four thousand Vidyadhar damsels, according to the Gandharva system of marriage. Soon, by virtue of his supernatural power, he created a vast and attractive airship. He sat in the airship