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498
JAIN RAMAYAN
Other heavenly beings also arrived.
Sitendra's infatuation and attachment at once disappeared. There arose in his heart an extraordinary emotion of devotion. He accompanied by heavenly beings arranged a magnificent celebration in accordance with prescriptions. With his heart overflowing with devotion, Sitendra glorified Shri Ram.
Sitendra created a divine golden lotus. It possessed a unique splendour and softness. The Kevalinani sat upon it. He beings stood on both sides and began fanning him with divine whisks; and some held a divine umbrella over his head.
The Kothishila looked resplendent with the congregation of heavenly beings.
Shri Ramachandra began to speak in a voice that was soft tender and cool like sandal paste.
The congregation comprised heavenly beings Gandharvas, Kinnars, Vyantars and Vidyadhars. There was not a single human being. Of course, there were present the animals and birds of the forest. They were experiencing profound, inward felicity at the sight of Shri Ram. Even wild and violent beasts stood there having discarded their natural propensities.
The heavenly beings; the Gandharvas, the Kinnars, and the Vyantars were overwhelmed with felicity when they heard Shri Ram's discourse. Their Samyagdarshan became specially pure and elevated. The discourse ended.
Sitendra stood up and said in voice shaken with emotion.
"Revered Lord ! Kindly pardon me. Blinded by my attachment for you I created impediments to you; and tried to disturb your sublime meditation. I caused great agitation to you My desire was that you should become a heavenly being; and stay with me in heaven. Hence I tried to disturb your meditation. Be so gracious as to pardon my blunder”.
“Oh Sitendra! Where is any need to pardon you? The jiyas in the samsar commit countless sins blinded by infatuation;
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