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JAIN RAMAYAN
soldiers on horseback. Madhu heard the noises of the chariot wheels and the horse-hoofs in the stillness of the night. Already the soldiers of Ayodhya had climbed the tall and sturdy trees on the side of the roads and sat concealed there in the foliage. King Madhu's son, prince Lavan was riding at the head of the cavalcade. He was proceeding with great circumspection. He was just then stepping on the threshold of youth. He was of course a young man but he was valiant and heroic. Lavan, fully armed was riding on a stately horse, King Madhu's chariot was following Lavan. He had never dreamt that he would be thus ambushed and attacked in that covert manner. He was absorbed in a delightful conversation with his Queen.-consort, Jayantidevi. No sooner had Lavan entered the gate, than Shatrughna challenged him to a fight. The soldiers of Ayodhya at once surrounded King Madhu. Kritantavadan rushed to the spot with the speed of a lightning and chopped off the heads of two riders on horseback who were guarding King Madhu. Within the twinkling of an eye Shatrughna attacked Lavan and sent him to the abode of death.
King Madhu was stupefied by the surprise attack made by Shatrughna. He was so greatly shocked that he could not, for a few moments, think of doing anything in that unexpected situation. He also witnessed with his own eyes the dreadful attack made on Lavan and his death. Infuriated by this he leaped down from his chariot. He took up his bow and arrows and showed his readiness to fight against Shatrughna.
Both were heroic and both were equally valiant and capable as warriors. Therefore, they decided upon fighting a duel instead of launching a war which would cause the death of thousands of soldiers. Madhu and Shatrughna stood facing each other. They released tremendous weapons against each other. Each broke to pieces the devices released by the other. Thus, a terrible fight went on for three hours between them. They were equals in valour and ability. Therefore, neither could be defeated.
Shatrughna recited the relevant mantras and there appeared in his hands the miraculous bow called Samudravart and then
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