पृष्ठ:पउमचरिउ.djvu/१५९

116 PAUMACARIU his visit. Citränga said, 'Let friendly relations be established be. tween Indra and you. He offers to you his daughter Rūpavati' (10). Rävapa replied, 'You hand over to me all the cities on the Vijayārdha and we are friends, or prepare tomorrow for war.' Thereupon Citrānga gave him an idea of the strength of the vari- ous constituents and divisions of Indra's army and of his fortifica- tions. Rávana said, 'If I fail to vanquish him in battle, I would throw myself in blazing fire' (11-12). These words were echoed by Indrajit. Citrānga while leaving invited them all to the feast of battle (13). Indra was informed. He made preparations for war and came forth on Airāvata (14). Strategic arrangement of Indra's forces (15). War XVII Sandhi. between Ravana and Indra: Indra's defeat son On Rāvana's arrival both the armies fell upon each other (1). Description of the battle (2). Seeing his army retreat under pres- sure from the enemies Mahendra's Prasannakirti rushed through the ranks of Indra's forces (3). As he was engulfed in a volley of arrows from the Gods, Srimālin first confronted Can- dra, who retreated. Yama took his place. He also beat a re- treat and Kubera too after him met the same fate. Nobody could give him a stand (4). Then Kesarin, Kanaka and Agni together confronted him. But they also turned their back. When Indra's sons faced him he severed their heads. Thereupon as Indra himself was moving, Jayanta offered to go (5). Jayanta challenged Srimālin, who forthwith broke Jayanta's bow and destroyed his chariot. Jayanta, saved by a hair's breadth swooned, but coming to himself destroyed Srimālin's chariot. Srimälin fell unconscious but re- covering fell upon Jayanta who struck him on the chest with a bolt. Srimālin fell dead (6-7). Now Indrajit rushed forth with a challenge and in the duel destoryed Jayanta's armour. Before he can jump and catch hold of him Indra intervened (8). Several stalwarts gathered and sur- rounded lonely Indrajit. But he displayed the highest heroism. On being informed of this Rāvana rushed forth in his chariot (9). At Rāvana's order, the charioteer brought him near Indra and the battle raged at its climax (10). Every one sought out his match and got engaged with him in a deadly struggle (11). Des. cription of the fighting warriors (12). Description of the battle- ground (13). Description of the fight between Rāvaņa and Indra. Rāvana mounted his elephant and again fell upon Indra (14-15). Description of the elephants of Ravana and Indra (16). Young Rāvana's agility put aged Indra at a considerable disadvantage. Ravana took a jump and bound his opponent with a garment. The Demons declared victory and all the generals of Rāvana's army captured their opponents. Thus taking with him hundreds of captives Rāvana returned to Lanka (17). Sahasrara, Indra's father begged for his son's life. Rāvana released Indra along with his vassals on their agreeing to perform the menial services allot- ted to each. But Indra gave up his kingdom and renounced the world (18).