Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 314

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JAIN RAMAYAN
with fear. She was stupefied by the fear of some unexpected calamity. She shuddered with dread but now life and death were the same to her. She had no fear of death nor did she have any attachment for life. She recovered her calmness and recited Shri Namaskar Mahamantra which brings supreme benefits and blessings. She stood at a place reciting the mantra with devotion.
All of a sudden the soldiers noticed her. She stood stupefied. Her fear was boundless.
She had incomparable beauty! Stately and divine in form!
The soldiers were awe-struck at the very sight of Sita. Filled with a nameless fear they began to whisper to one another. "Can she be some goddess of the forest? She may be some deceptive demigoddess; and probably wants to test us." " They continued to stare at her, with wonder, fear and amazement.
"Let us inform the king of this matter." Saying this, they rushed to the tent of the king. Sita lost all courage. She began to shudder with fear, anxiety and doubts. Suddenly, she began weeping. She sat down there unable to remain standing. Every creature in the forest began to shiver with grief unable to bear with the sight of her anguish. Her cries of anguish fell on the ears of the king. The king was a great scholar. He had mastered all Shastras (Scriptural and philosophical texts). From her cries, he could make out that she was a great woman; and that she was sublime. He was moved to compassion. At once, he approached Sita. He could not bear to see the sight of her anguish. Sita was in great fear and anxiety. She removed her ornaments and placed them before the king; and stood mute and helpless.
"Oh you noble woman! Dear sister! You need not fear anything. I am not a robber or a thief. I do not at all have the intention of plundering your ornaments or to disgrace you. Kindly wear these ornaments. I do not need them. But dear sister! Who are you? Why have you wandered into this terrible forest? Why are you in grief and anguish ? Who abandoned you in this wild forest? Who is that heartless man who abandoned you thus ? Think that I am your brother; and tell me without any hesitation who did this grievous injustice to you;