Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 42

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JAIN RAMAYAN
fear arose from the palace. All began running hither and thither in utter amazement, anger and fear.
It was as though the whole universe was shaken by an unexpected explosion. The earth began to sway and shake.
King Mahendra ordered his armies to get ready for a war. Prince Prasannakirti sat in his chariot and came out of the city to face the sudden and unexpected 'invasion.
The whole area around Mahendrapur changed into a battlefield. Hanuman spoke contemptuously to Prince Prasannakirti and provoked him to fight. The two stood face to face. The battle-field began to reverberate with the noises of swords and other weapons.
A terrible war broke out. The metallic noises of clashing swords and the whizzing noises of arrows filled the air. Hanuman was greatly grieved at the thought of the death of countless
His tender heart was grieved with repentance. “What have I done ? I have engaged myself in a battle unnecessarily. I have engaged myself in this fight forgetting the purpose with which I set off. Now I must stop this war and carry out my task of going to Lanka".
A few moments...
A few hours.
Prasannakirti's chariot was smashed by Hanuman. It broke to pieces and the charioteer was killed. Prasannakirti's weapons were broken to pieces. Hanuman rushed forth in great fury. He captured Prasannakirti. King Mahendra began to shudder with grief and fear to see his son captured thus.
In consequence, the old king entered the battle-field to fight against Hanuman. Hanuman did not like to fight against his grand-father. Sa he thought of a clever plan. Accordingly, within a short time, he captured King Mahendra.
The war ended. King Mahendra and Prasannakirti had to stand with bowed heads in their own court.