Book Title: Jain Ramayana Part 3
Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

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Page 257
________________ The Conquest of Mathura by Shatrughna 245 the supernatural weapons called Shilimukh and Agnimukh, appeared miraculously in his quiver as a result of the mantras he recited. He fixed the arrows to his bow and shot them at Madhu. When those weapons pierced Madhu, he collapsed on the ground. Queen Jayanti at once leaped down from her chariot. She fell over the gashed body of her husband and began weeping aloud. Within a short while the whole atmosphere became gloomy. Kritantavadan came forward and gave the queen the necessary protection. Madhu who was dying began to contemplate on his soul. "I committed a great blunder in leaving the Shul in the arsenal, I have not been able to defeat Shatrughna. All these days I led a life of pomp and infatuation and illusion and not been able to defeat my enemy. Moreover, I have not been able to conquer my inner enemies. Actually, this worldly life is transient, futile and pointless. If there is any source of eternal felicity it is a genuine devotion for the Paramatma. If there is any true felicity in this universe it is possible only if I render service to the holy feet of Lord Arihant." As his death approached him nearer and nearer his spiritual contemplation grew purer and purer. In fact, his animosity against his enemy abated and calmed down. Again he began to float on the waves of spiritual meditation: “Unfortunately I never worshipped the Lord even once in my life. I never constructed Jin temples. I never rendered devotion and service to Shramans. I never did any deed of charity, I never showed compassion to the suffering in my life. I did not act according to the sublime Sutra; "Make your life fruitful by living according to the principle; Dharma.” Actually, my life has been a total failure. Dear Lord Arihant. save me, direct me on the right path.” His throat began to dry up and so he began speaking in dying accents. He was agitated with a terrible thirst. His life was flickering for the finish. As suggested by the commander, a soldier brought water in a vessel and poured water into the dying man's mouth. Only a few drops could enter his throat Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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