Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 16

JAIN RAMAYAN
that stands as an insurmountable impediment on the path of my love. But of course, I will never break my vow. Even by a mistake I will not use force to compel Sita to become united with me."
Mandodari was a woman of great nobility and purity; an ideal Indian woman born of an illustrious family; so, naturally she was greatly agitated by her lord's distress and grief. She believed that no other duty was nobler than her wifely duty towards her Lord. She adored her husband as a god. His welfare was her highest wish. Her greatest felicity was to see him in felicity. Therefore, she decided to meet Sita; and to prevail upon her to accept Ravan's love. Having made this determination, she proceeded straight to the Devaraman garden.
When. Mandodari went to meet Sita, a new ray of hope shot through his mind which had been filled with the gloom of disappointment and bitterness. Even then, he did not feel certain that his desire would be fulfilled.Repeatedly, his conscience said to him, "Even if the sky and the nether world become one; even if the sun rises in the west, Sita will not accept your love." Inspite of this, Ravan who was maddened by infatuation became impatient and kept looking for Mandodari.
Ravan had decorated the Devaraman garden in such a way that it looked like the Nandanvan (the heavenly garden.) He had engaged a large number of attendants to wait upon Sita and to render the necessary service to her. The attendants stood ready in their appointed places to render service to Sita. Armed guards had been appointed to guard every gate of the garden. Every alley and part of the garden was radiant with colourful and fragrant flowers and creepers. Birds and animals moved about joyfully and freely in the garden. When Mandodari's chariot stopped at the gates of the garden, the guards came forward with bowed heads and saluted her with great respect The attendants received her with great honour saying; "May queen Mandodari be victorious." Mandodari, having alighted from her chariot proceeded with slow steps towards the Ashoka tree beneath which Sita was sitting. As soon as she came near the Ashoka tree, the attendants introduced Mandodari to Sita.