Setubandha

Author(s): Krishnakant Handiqui
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 20

Portions of the causeway, built of crystal rocks, and interspersed between the mountains, seemed at places to be rent in the middle, being similar in colour to the tranquil sea. v. 91. Peaks of the Himalaya, covered with snow, and those of the Malaya,
with the broken sandal trees; could be clearly recognised, even though built into Nala's Way. 0.92
On completion of the causeway, the Vanaras cross over to Lankā unopposed, with the result that the demons become remiss in carrying out the orders of their master Rāvana,
Canto IX. The Vānaras reach the Suvela mountain which is elaborately described.
Canto X. The sun sets as the Vanaras occupy the Suvela. The canto opens with a long description of the evening scenery followed by an account of the gaieties of love of the young women of Lankā under the shadow of the impending disaster.
Canto XI. The evening has not proved as delightful to Rāvaņa as to his subjects. He pines for Sitā amid the reproaches of his wives, who, after observing his condition, did laugh at him; but having laughed, could not help pitying him.' Musing for a while on how to gain Sītā's favour, Rāvana concludes that she might perhaps yield if she saw the severed head of Rāma, because
People dare violate their cherished principle out of fear, when they are helpless and humble for lack of friends, and see no cause for shame, with all hope gone owing to the loss of protection. v. 29
Ordered by Rāvana, the demons produce a severed head of Rāma by magic, exactly like the real one, and proceed to the pleasure garden where Sitā is held captive. Her pitiful condition is described in a number of verses (39-50). The demons are moved to pity, but leave the head before her, as ordered by Rāvana.
1. i.e., the transparent rocks looked like breaches through which the waters of the sea
seemed to flow,
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