Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 77

The Invasion of Lanka
Early next day, the armies began their march. King Samudra and King Sethu also joined the march with their armies. King Samudra and King Sethu sat in Hanuman's airship.
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After they had travelled for sometime, King Samudra said to Hanuman; "O you noble Vanara hero! Now we are entering the boundary of Suveladri. The King Suvel is valiant and radiant. If we can conquer him and make him our subordinate, he will be of great help to us in future."
Hanuman at once
accepted King Samudra's suggestion. Soon after his airship entered the area of Suveladri, he ordered his soldiers to blow the trumpets of war. King Suvel came with his vast army to fight against Hanuman. At once, Bhamandal brought his airship to the side of Hanuman's airship and said in a serious tone.
"You proceed further. I will face and defeat Suvel."
"Very good!" Hanuman gave his consent to Bhamandal's request. A terrible war broke out betwen Suvel and Bhamandal. Both were great heroes. Neither was inferior to the other. A tremendous commotion arose all around Suveladri. Nal and Neel attacked the armies of Suvel and compelled them to flee the battle-field. Bhamandal, at once, captured Suvel.
King Suvel was taken to the presence of Shri Ram. He sought Shri Ram's refuge.
The armies took rest on the second night at Suveladri; and the next day they continued their march.
After having travelled a long distance, Hanuman approached Shri Ram and said:
"We are now approaching Hamsadweep. Lanka is not far from there. Therefore, we should capture Hamsadweep and camp there. Hamsadweep is a place of strategic importance for us."
King Sugriv agreed to Hanuman's suggestion. Shri Ram consented to Hanuman's suggestion of stationing Hanuman's