Story Of Rama In Jain Literature

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Saraswati Pustak Bhandar

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Story of Rāma in Jain Literature
their march towards Lankā in the morning of the fifth day of the dark half of Märgaśiisa. In the course of their march they reach Velamdhara mountain, defeat king Samudra of that region; he offers in marriage four of his daughters to Lakşmaņa. After spending a night there they march ahead in the direction of Lanka Near Lankā there is a Hamsa-dvipa. They defeat king Hansa-ratha and encamp there. Rāma sends a message to Bnāmanda'a (March against Lanka)
CANTO LV:
At the news of the arrival of the Vänara army Ravana mobilises his own. He does not pay heed to Vibl işana's advice to return Sita. Rāvana and Indrajit pour ridicule and abuse on him. Rāvana is so very angry that he desires to kill him. He ultimately asks Vibhișana to leave Lanka. Vibhışana with his army goes to Hamadvipa. Rāma accepts him as a worthy ally. Bhāmandala securing lores joins them. Staying there for eight days Rāma and Laksmana march against Laikā. Rāvana too keeps his forces ready for war. Rāvana's army numbers 4000 Akşauhiņis whereas that of Rāma 1000 Akşauhinis only. (Alliance with Vibhişaņa)
CANTO LVI :
The army of Rākşasas is getting ready. The beloveds converse with their husbands that are about to leave for battle. The armies led by Rāvana and Indrajit march ahead. They meet with evil omens such as the cries of inauspicious birds. Yet for battle they go ahead. (March of Rāvana's army)
CANTO LVII :
Renowned heroes on the side of Rāma start in the direction of Lanka. Wardrums are being beaten. The two hostile armies face each other. In the battle once one side retreats and another time the other side retreats. Nala and Nila kill Hasta and Prahasta respectively. (Slaying of Hasta and Prabasta) CANTO LVIII:
Canto LVIII tells of the previous lives of Nala-Nila and Hasta-Prahasta. As a result of wicked deeds done in previous lives the two, viz., Hasta and Prahasta meet their death at the hands of their adversaries. (Description of the previous lives of Nala-Nila and Hasta-Prahasta) CANTO LIX:
Canto LIX continues the description of battle. In the beginning the Raksasa-army suffers reverses at the hands of Hanūmat. Later on Indrajit leads their side and he biods Sugriva and Bhāmandala by Nāgapāśas and Bhujangapāśas respectively. At this juncture Vibhişaņa comes on the scene and advises Rāma and Lakşmaņa to see that Sugrīva and Bhāmandala are not taken prisoners by the Rakşasas. Angada engages Bhānukarna. Hanūmat, Lakşmana etc., cheer up their army. Now Indrajit comes across Vibhișana. He is as good as father to him. And naturally he does not want