Jain Ramayana Part 3

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

Page 93

The Terrible War
81
torch-light. Some soldiers on both the sides were engaged in carrying away and cremating the dead bodies of soldiers.
In the first day's battle, Shri Ram's army suffered a lesser reverse than the Rakshasa army. Great warriors like Santap, Vighna and Prathita had been killed. The death of Hasta and Prahasta was a great disaster to the armies of Ravan. This was a loss to the Rakshasa army which could not be repaired. Moreover, Jwar, Sukra, Swayambhu and several other great commanders had been slain. This was also an irreparable loss to Ravan's army.
Sugriy said to Shri Ram :
"Noble Lord ! Ravan will be infuriated by the death of Hasta and Prahasta and by the other reverses his army has suffered. Therefore, tomorrow's battle will be terrible and destructive. He will try to destroy our armies. He will give the command of his armies in tomorrow's battle to Indrajit or Meghavahan or some other invincible hero."
"Dear Sugriv! Let him give Indrajit, the command of the armies or let Ravan himself come into the battle-field. You need not worry. I will be at the head of our armies."
"My lord! That is impossible. As long as Lakshman is alive, you need not take the trouble. I am sure that Lakshman's arrow will pierce the hearts of the enemy-soldiers and will kill them" said Lakshman entering the conversation.
“Dear Lakshman! That is impossible. You will have to lead our armies but not tomorrow. Tomorrow, Hanuman will lead our armies and rout the enemy-armies. Hanuman shall be the commander of our forces tomorrow."
“Dear lord ! I am grateful to you for this kindness you have shown me.” Hanuman said accepting King Sugriv's plan.
“Tomorrow's war will be terribly destructive. Therefore I wish to be in the war-front and to teach a lesson to that arrogant, ignorant and unjust fellow, Dashmukh.”