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190
JAIN RAMAYAN
Dasarath's bed-room was decorated with special articles of artistic beauty and grandeur; and a rare kind of fragrance filled the chamber. The chamber had been decked with countless garlands of colourful flowers. Lamps had been lighted in the chamber; and it was filled with an extraordinary effulgence. The ceiling and the walls had been decorated with countless curious carvings and paintings. Costly carpets had been spread on the floor. The bed-chamber had been decorated so that it would fascinate anyone. In it, an excellently decorated bed had been spread on a magnificently decorated cot.
Within a short time, Dasarath entered the bed-room with Kaikayi. The attendants received them with joy and jubilation. The maids attended upon them, with a delightful sense of hospitality and honour. The attendants, sprayed scent upon them. The singers sang songs of jubilation. The melodies emerging from the Veena reverberated in the air. The noise of the percussion instruments echoed in the air. Dancers who possessed extraordinary beauty danced with joy and jubilation. The whole atmosphere looked fascinating.
One by one began to leave the chamber as it was past midnight. The music and the dances ended. King Dasarath honoured all of them giving them precious presentations. The singers saluted Dasarath and Kaikayi and went away. Now, there were only two persons in the chamber; and they were Dasarath and Kaikayi.
For a while, there was absolute silence.
"Dear angel! I am supremely pleased with your mastery of the art of war". Dasarath said breaking the silence.
“My dearest lord ! My mastery of the art of war is nothing compared to yours. It is like the difference between a mole hill and a mountain”.
“My heroism and success depended on your dexterous charioteering".
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