Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 88

76
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Dear warriors! Today the armies will be commanded and led by Nal and Neel. Therefore, we should try to decimate the Rakshasa armies under their leadership and guidance."
"May the commanders, Nal and Neel be victorious !” The armies gave out a tremendous war-cry. At once Nal and Neel made excellent battle-formations. They requested Shri Ram, Lakshman, Sugriv and Bhamandal to be merely spectators and to be watching the war. At the same time, Hanuman was ordered to enter the war-front from the Northern side with one hundred thousand warriors.
The old King Mahendra and Prince Prasannakirthi were given the responsibility of safeguarding the Southern front assisted by one hundred thousand warriors. Viradh, the valiant was ordered to encounter the Rakshasa armies assisted by one hundred thousand able warriors. At a short distance from him. Nal and Neel stood armed in their chariots for the fight. The remaining armies were ordered to take rest in the camp.
On account of the hectic preparation for the war that was being made, anxiety and excitement pervaded Lanka. Ravan stood in his magnificent chariot, which excelled Indra's chariot. Bhanukarna who was a master of the arts of war held the reins of his chariot. Indrajit and Meghavahan stood in their chariots on the right side and left side of Ravan awaiting Ravan's commands. Kumbhakarna stood ready for the war in his chariot behind the chariot of Ravan. The other Rakshasa heroes like Shukra, Saran, Maricha, Maya, Sund stood in their chariots in their appointed positions at strategic points around Ravan. Millions of Rakshasa warriors entered the battle-field like darkening clouds of locusts. Approximately fifty yojanas of ground was covered with the Rakshasa armies. Ravan had appointed Hasta and Prahasta commanders of his armies for the first day. Hasta and Prahasta made extraordinary battleformations to encounter Shri Ram's armies. They ordered Sund to stand ready with one hundred thousand warriors to fight against Viradh and to take revenge against him. Swayambhu was stationed on the Northern front with one lakh Rakshasa