________________
XLII
KAIKAYI'S SWAYAMVAR
:
“Vibhishan! It will be good if Khar and Dushan accompany you on your campaign."
"No. I will go alone. I can manage it myself. I do not need anyone's help or assistance".
"Oh dear brother, you have to travel a long distance”. "I will travel even upto heaven if necessary”.
“Your heroism is really commendable”.
Wearing a gold crown studded with gems; blazing gold earrings decked with precious stones; an impenetrable armour, a green silk cloth at his waist with a dagger beneath it; a sword hanging from his waist, a trident in his hand and wooden sandals, Vibhishan looked a formidable warrior. Vibhishan getting ready for war, was about to set off towards Ayodhya. He had come to Ravan, his elder brother and king of Lanka to obtain his permission and benediction. Ravan advised him to take wit able warriors like Khar and Dushan; but the valiant Vibhishan did not think it necessary to take them with him.
Vibhishan set off through the sky cutting through the air at a tremendous speed. Flying over several kingdoms, by midnight, he reached the Kingdom of Ayodhya. He saw the skyhigh fort of Ayodhya; and felt greatly impressed by its unexampled beauty. He saw a number of guards and sentinels watching at the towers and turrets and found that Ayodhya was being ably administered and safeguarded.
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