________________
292
JAÍN RAMAYAN
He was a Vasudev. He possessed extraordinary power and strength but he was incapable of ignoring Shri Ram's command and rescuing Sita from a disaster. Of course, he was filled with grief and anguish because of the extraordinary devotion and veneration, he had for Sita but he could do nothing. He could only shed tears of blood and could do nothing else because he could not disregard Shri Ram's command.
The commander Kritantavadan !
After all, he was a servant of the throne though he occupied a high position. Therefore, it was his first duty to carry out the commands of the king. The king had commanded that he should take Sita and leave her in some wild forest. This important responsibility was given to him and he had to carry it out at any cost. He was a veritable god of death to enemies but tender towards friends. He had extraordinary devotion and veneration for Sita. His faith in her purity was firm and unshakeable but he thought it improper to express his opinion in the presence of Shri Ram. “When his dear brother Lakshman himself has not been able to persuade him to give up his decision, would he care for my entreaties ?” He thought. His heart was filled with grief and agony. In great grief and anguish, he proceeded to Sita's palace. The attendants informed Sita of the arrival of the com
ander. Sita calmly asked the commander why he had called at her palace unexpectedly. In reply to her question, the commander said respectfully bowing his head. "The king has commanded me to take you to Sametshikhar. If you desire to go on a pilgrimage to Sametshikhar, I am ready to take you there.”
Kritantavadan said this of course, but he stood with his eyes fixed on the ground as if he was guilty of having committed a serious sin. He did not have the courage to look up.
Sita was greatly delighted to hear that Shri Ram was sending her to Sametshikhar. She was overwhelmed with joy. For sometime past, she had been requesting Shri Ram to take her to Sametshikhar. Now, she felt happy because her long-cherished desire was going to be fulfilled. She made speedy preparations and came out of her palace.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
