Studies in Jain Literature

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre

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STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE
of rşis. In the Sundarakānda (V. Canto 22, v. 9) Rāvana addresses Sītā as follows : "...if after two months' time you do not bend to your lover's will, my cooks shall mince your limbs and serve you for my morning meal”10. Uttarakānda (VII. Canto 10, 38-39) tells us that Kumbhakarna had eaten seven Apsarases and ten followers of Indra.
(C) It is reported that Rāvana's brother named Kumbhakarna used to sleep for
six months without a break; even though his body would be crushed by big elephants and his ears filled with potfuls of oil (he would not wake up), he would not hear the sound of drums beaten near him nor would he get up from his bed if the period of six months was not over! When he got up, being overpowered with fierce hunger he would devour whatever would be near to him at the time, such as elephants and buffaloes. Having filled his belly by devouring gods, men, elephants and the like he would again go to bed for another six months..."
This statement of Vimalasūri is based on Yuddhakānda. Canto 60, W. 23-64.
(d) It is said that Indra, when defeated in battle by Rāvana, was bound in chains
and taken to Lankā. How can anyone take Indra captive-Indra who rules over Jambūdvīpa with its gods and men ? (One would be reduced to heaps of ashes at the mere thought of attacking him, who has Airāvata the elephant-jewel and Vajra—the thunder-bolt at his command !) At that rate we might as well affirm that the lion is overcome by the deer, the elephant by the dog ! Pc. 2, 113-116.
How Indra was overpowered by Rāvana's son and taken captive to Lankā and then Brahma at the request of gods waited in deputation on Rāvana etc., is described in detail in Uttarakānda Cantos 29-30..
(e) It is reported that Rāma during his sojourn in the forest killed a (wondrous)
golden deer. Pc. 3, v. 10.
This incident of the golden deer is described at length by Vālmīki in the Aranyakanda, Cantos 43 and 44.
(f) It is said that Rāma treacherously killed Vālin in order to oblige (his ally)
Sugrīva and win Sutārā" for him (Sugrīva). Pc. 3, v. 10.
Rāma's alliance with Sugrīva and his killing of Vālin with the discharge of a single arrow from a covert position is described in the Kiskindhākānda, Cantos 8-26.