Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 476

464
JAIN RAMAYAN
will wake up." Shri Ram set out to the battle-field carrying Lakshman's body on his shoulders.
The chariot was ready in the courtyard of the palace. Shri Ram sat in the chariot with the body of Lakshman in his lap. Sugriv was driving his chariot.
Shatrughna's chariot was proceeding on one side of Shri Ram and on the other side Vibhishan's chariot was proceeding. A vast army followed them.
The citizens of Ayodhya showered flowers on Shri Ram from balconies and roofs delighted with his decision to fight against the enemies; but they shed tears when they saw Lakshman's dead body. The chariot proceeded slowly and reached the main gate of the city.
Shri Ram gave his commands.
"Open the gate !"
As soon as the gate was opened, the chariot dashed out towards the battle-field like a lightning. The armies also followed the chariots.
The enemies saw Shri Ram and other heroes arriving with a vast army. They were standing ready for a fight. Shri Ram, pulled the string of Vajravarath and the sound sent shudders through the sky. The whole universe was stupefied by the tremendous noise.
When Jatayu who was in the heavenly world called Mahendra saw this by means of his avadhijnan he felt stupefied. He visualized Shri Ram standing in his chariot with Lakshman's dead body and making a tremendous noise by pulling the string of his bow. At once, Jatayu came down to earth with some other heavenly beings. When heavenly beings came out into the sky, the whole firmament became resplendent with their heavenly radiance. The enemies were greatly shocked and amazed to see this change in the atmosphere.
The heavenly beings saluted Shri Ram and said;