Book Title: Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4
Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

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Page 289
________________ 254 CHAPTER SIX Daśāsya enlightened her confidently as she was weeping, "I shall soon kill the slayer of your husband and son.” Suffering from that sorrow and also from illness because of separation from Sītā, he remained on his couch, having fallen like a tiger that has missed his jump.164 Then Queen Mandodari came to him and said, “Why, master, do you remain like a low person, as if you were helpless ?” Rāvaņa replied: "Because of a fever from separation from Vaidehi, I am not able to move, nor speak, nor think. If there is any advantage to you from me alive, abandon pride, proud "lady. Go and induce Vaidehi to consort with me. Certainly, I shall stot enjoy another's wife unwilling. In this matter there is a promise on my part with my guru as a witness, which is a bar." Grieved by her husband's grief, she, high-born; went at once to the garden Devaramaņa and said to Sità: "I am Daśānana's chief-queen, Mandodari. Turn to Råvaņa. I shall be your slave. Sītā, you alone are fortunate whom my husband wishes to serve, he whose lotus-feet are served by everyone, powerful. Now of what use is Råma, an earth-dweller, a wretched creature, a mere soldier, as a husband, if Daśānana can be obtained as a husband?" Sītā spoke angrily: "Here a lion, there a jackal; here Garuda, there a crow; here Rāma, there your husband ! Indeed, being husband and wife is fitting for that wretch and you. One of you wishes to enjoy other men's wives, and the other becomes his messenger! You are not fit even to see, much less quarrel with. Go! Go-from this place. Get out of my sight!” Then Rāvaṇa went there and said: "Why are you angry, Sītā? Mandodari is your slave. I myself am your slave. Show me favor, queen. Why do you not favor this person even with a glance, Jånaki?” Sitā, very virtuous, her face averted, said; “You are seen by Kệtānta's glance, you, kidnaping me, Rāma's 164 126. See III, App. I. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org


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