Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 22

10
JAIN RAMAYAN
emperor's entreaties and appeals. She reprimanded the emperor severely."
“What are you prattling? Are you in your senses? Vibhishan flared up with anger. He knew nothing about Sita's abduction by Ravan. He had never interfered with his elder brother's personal affairs. Pausing a little, he said in an apprehensive tone; "What is her name? Who is she ?"
"My Lord, her name is Sita.” “And who is her husband ? Whose wife is she ?" "Dear sir, I do not know all those things but she always eps uttering the name, Shri Ram. Probably, Shri Ram is her huband's name. And my Lord! This night the Devaraman garden has become a playfield for ghosts, spirits, demons and monsters. Emperor Ravan has been using his magical powers to intimidate Sita and to compel her to accept his love."
“All right. Now you may go."
The attendant returned at once. Vibhishan stood in utter stepefaction and silence for sometime. His mind was greatly agitated. No one had committed such an enormity so far in Rakshasa dynasty. There was no precedent of this kind in the Rakshasa dynasty. Therefore, Vibhishan was greatly grieved and agitated by Ravan's ignoble action. He felt ashamed of it. His agitation knew no bounds. He decided to meet Sita personally and to understand the situation. He could not get a wink of sleep that night. He spent the whole night in great agitation and worry.
The day dawned. The tender rays of the rising sun spread playfully and joyfully over the world. A fresh commotion, a new stir arose in the world which had been silent and still.
Vibhishan set off to the Devaraman garden in his chariot. Ravan was sitting there. Vibhishan went straight to Sita. He saluted her respectfully and said :
“Revered lady! I am Vibhishan. I always treat other women as my sisters. Would you kindly tell me who you are ? From