Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 35

The Search for Sita
"Dear lord! It matters very little whether Lanka is far or near. We are like blades of dry grass before Lankesh Rayan the world-conqueror. We are nothing compared to his extraordinary might and abilities."
"O you great heroes! Stop thinking of Victory or defeat and show me the way to Lanka. Show me where Ravan is. Then I will find out his greatness as a warrior and the nature of his abilities. Lakshman's arrows will automatically test his abilities”. Shri Ram said in a serious manner. Endorsing Shri Ram's words, Lakshman said in a voice sharpened by burning anger:
"Who is this mean fellow, Ravan ! We have not even heard his name. Is it that sensual satyr who abducted Sita by means of deceptive tricks ? Are you glorifying that ignoble fellow who misusing his abilities has been committing enormities. I will surely cut off his head like a true Kshatriya, and in accordance with the traditions of Kshatriyas. Like spectators, you will see that drama of destruction."
Old Jambhavan, who had been listening silently till now said in a serious and dignified voice :
"Revered Lord! What you say is absolutely true. There is no doubt about it but I have to explain to you a certain actual circumstance. Once, a supremely enlightened person by name Anantavirya made this prediction to Ravan. "The hero who lists the Kothishila will surely kill you". Therefore, my humble suggestion is that Lakshman should be taken there and he should lift the Kothishila. That will remove the doubts and suspicions of all the people here."
"So be it Jambhavan. Don't worry. We will make the necessary arrangement.” Lakshman said in a serious voice.
At once, an airship was got ready. Lakshman, Bhamandal, Jambhavan, Viradh, Nal, Neel and the other great warriors sat in the airship. The airship began flying through the sky and in a short while, it reached Kothishila.