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Story of Rama in Jain Literature
to grant her two gifts. Although unwilling in the beginning, he was compelled to send for Ráma and ask him to act in such a manner as would enable him (Dasaratha) remain true to his word. Rāma accepted Dasaratha's order. Then, Rama, accompanied by Sitā and Lakşmana, set out for leading the life of an exile, causing deep pain to the people; Dasaratha, unable to bear the sorrow caused by Rama's separation, died lamenting piteously for the loss of Rama.
Bharata returned to Ayodhya from the country of his maternal uncle. On hearing the whole account he rebuked his mother. With his relatives he approached Rama, reported the death of their father to him. Rama then performed the funeral rites. Kaikeyi, overcome with repentance, asked Rāma to return to Ayodhyā and rule over it. Rāma politely but firmly declined the offer; and he asked Bharata to carry on the administration and not to reprove his mother-Kaikeyi. Bharata requested Rāma to favour him with his (Rama's) 'Padukas' - sandals. Rama agreed and then Bharata went to Ayodhyā.
Now Rama with Sita and Lakşmana proceeded towards the South and in due course arrived at Vijanasthāna. There, Surpanakha, Rāvana's sister, being enchanted by Rama's handsome form, requested Rāma to enjoy pleasures of sense in her company. Rama replied that he was in penance-grove and would not enjoy the company of another's wife. Sità scolded her for her shamelessness. She then got wild and threatened Sita that she would kill her. With the thought that a woman is not to be killed' Rāma let her go, with her ears and nose cut. She then went to Kharadūşanao and bitterly complained against Rāma for his wicked act. They promised their mother that they would soon take revenge and went to Räma. But Råma and Lakşmana, who were equal to Yama and Varuņa in strength, overpowered and killed Khara and Duşana. Sūrpanakha then approached (her brother) Rāvana and informed him of her maimed nose and the death of her sons and then described to him the wondrous beauty of Sitā whom she thought to be fit for Råvana's harem.
Råvana, enamoured of Sita, asked Marica, his minister, to go near Rama's Asrama and entice the two ascetic heroes away by assuming the form of a golden deer so that he could accomplish his purpose. Mārica did accordingly. Rāvana, disguised as an ascetic, abducted Sita, who had been left alone. The two brothers then went back to their Asrama, but could not trace Sitā. Rāvana was intercepted by Jatayus, a Vidyādhara. Rävana, however, defeated him and went to Lankā via., Kiskindhigiri. Rāma lamented the loss of Sità. Lakşmana said to him: "It does not become you to weep for a woman. If you
Note that the place is called here Vijanasthāna, and not Janasthāna as in the Ramayana of Valmiki. There is confusion regarding "Kharadūşana'. Whether it is one person or two- 'Khara' and 'Dusana' - is not quite clear. Once we have it as referring to 'puttam,' i.e. singular, but at other places to 'rutthā, gayā,' 'nehim, Jujjharta' where clearly Khara and Düsana - two individuals - are spoken of.
