________________
Sita's Poorvajanma
401
began to stream out. Like a wounded lion, the Prince pounced
Shribhuti. Shribhuti had no weapon with him. The Prince attacked Shribhuti with his sword. He cut off Shribhuti's head.
Leaving Shribhuti's body there, the Prince went straight to his house. Vegavati was alone in the house. Her mother had gone out. The Prince rushed into the house and began shouting.
“Vegavati ! Vegavati ! Where are you? I have come to take you with me to my palace! His authoritative voice resounded throughout the house. When Vegavati who was at that time resting in the second storey of her house heard the stranger's voice she was shocked. She at once came down. When she saw the Prince standing there, her voice was choked with fear. His eyes were full of lust and passion. Seeing this, she began to shudder with fear. She feared that some calamity might occur. The prince put forth a few paces towards her and extended his hands to embrace her. Vegavati screamed aloud :
“My dear father !"
The wicked Prince was not moved to pity even by her horrified cry. His arrogance manifested itself in a monstrous form. He said in a thundering voice, "O you lass! Be silent. Why do you call upon your father ? He has already reached the abode of death but you need not fear anything. I will make you the queen of my heaven. Come on". Vegavati moved back in fear. She went upstairs but the Prince followed her into that chamber even before she could shut the door. After entering the chamber, he bolted the door from inside and seized her. Vegavati's loud screams reverberated everywhere. She folded her hands and said in a humble voice "Kindly do not come near me. Kindly allow me to go out. I am your sister", but the wicked Prince ignored her appeals and entreaties. He lifted her bodily; threw her on the cot. With one hand, he covered her mouth and with the other, he began to play with her body. What should not have happened, occurred. All her endeavours to keep him off failed and the wicked prince robbed her of her chastity. Vegavati lost her chastity. She felt greatly distressed. Her father had already died. Her mother was not to be seen.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
