Page 81 - Shri Venkateswara Book

into a handsome, youthful man. Since he was trained
to be a scholar of Vedic knowledge by his father who
was a Brahmin, Ravana was able to speak choice
poetry to attract the mind of Vedavati. He glorified
her with many poetic compliments and he praised
himself claiming that he defeated Indra, the king of
heaven, and all the devas (demigods). After his flights
of braggadocio, Ravana asked Vedavati to marry him.
She said, “I have given my heart to Lord Vishnu.”
She was not tempted by Ravana and his promises of
material happiness.

Vedavati’s chastity endows her with
spiritual power to resist Ravana

When Ravana heard the name of Lord Vishnu,
he became incensed with rage and said, “Who is
this Vishnu? What has He done for you? You have
worshipped Him for thousands of years for nothing.
He has left you alone in this forsaken jungle with hardly
a morsel to eat. You come with me and I shall adorn
you with royal robes and jewels fit for a heavenly
queen. You will experience immense pleasures and
opulence that even the devas (demigods) cannot
match.” The demon grabbed her hair and dragged her
along with him. Vedavati used her mystic power to
cut off the part of her hair touched by Ravana. Then

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