Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 31

The Search for Sita
19
At once, thousands of warriors went in various directions in search of Sita. They began to search for Sita openly and secretly in all the cities and towns, in all the gardens and forests, in all the mountains, rivers and islands.
Even prince Bhamandal hearing about Sita's abduction came to the Vanaradweep to meet Shri Ram. Standing before Shri Ram he began weeping like a child. His grief filled the atmosphere with pain and distress. Lakshman went a few steps forward; embraced prince Bhamandal and consoled him declaring that every effort would be made to find Sita and that she would be found surely. No sooner had prince Bhamandal calmed down, than Viradh, arrived from Pathal Lanka with thousands of Vidyadhar warriors.
Sugriv extended due hospitality to all the guests and gave prince Chandrarashmi, the son of Vali, the duty of making arrangements for their comfortable stay. Sugriv engaged himself at once in the task of searching for Sita.
Sugriv followed the path taken by Ravan when he carried away Sita. He rose to high skies and began flying through the sky. At that point all of a sudden his eyes fell on Kambudweep. Making some determination, he landed his airship on Kambudweep.
When he began walking slowly looking around with circumspection he saw at a great distance, the figure of a man. He was alone. Sugriv was greatly amazed. He speedily went forwards. When he approached him, he said with surprise, “Ah ! he is the Vidyadhar Ratnajati !"
Sugriv was acquainted with Ratnajati. There was a very important reason for this. For some years, Ratnajati had been carrying out noble activities and spiritual austerities and discussions. He was also extending co-operation to others and he was renowned in the Vidyadhar world for his nobility and greatness. His only objective in life was to help others and to relieve the agonies of others; and when a necessity arose he did not hesitate to sacrifice anything to render help to others.