________________
500
JAIN RAMAYAN
"You wicked fellow! You mean hypocrite. You treacherous fellow! Now you show your heroism. Take up your bow.”
In a moment, Shri Ram killed Sahasagati. King Sugriv fell at the feet of Shri Ram Shri Ram again crowned Sugriv, King of Vanardweep. Sugriv was greatly moved by Shri Ram's benevolence and magnanimity. He was deeply moved by Shri Ram's nobility and sense of justice.
“... ... How can I repay this debt to Shri Ram ?” A new question arose in his mind.
Noble men are always ready to help others and they are equally ready to repay their debt of gratitude to their benefactors by doing some good turn to them.
A large meeting was held in the court of Kishkindha. Shri Ram and Lakshman sat on golden thrones which were studded with gems. Sugriv sat at their feet. Shri Ram stood up and made Sugriv sit by his side. Lakshman made prince Chandrarashmi sit by his side on his throne. The court wa
one. The court was packed to its capacity with the ministers, the Chieftains and the leading citizens.
The world-famous Veena artist of Kishkindha, Mrigendra began to play a song on his Veena by way of an invocation addressed to Bhagwati Saraswati. Divine melodies were emanating from the Veena. The invocation was over. Sugriv stood up. He saluted Shri Ram and began.
“My beloved citizens of Kishkindha !
The sky was covered with the clouds of disaster. A tremendous commotion arose with terrible tempests and cyclones and with a heavy down-pour of rain. Many of my dear people lost their lives in this cyclone. My dear citizens! You know very well how the wicked fellow Sahasagati brought me to a calamitous situation. Indeed, even in that time of calamity our prince Chandrarashmi took care of the harem risking his life and brought honour and glory to his father. He did everything to safeguard the chastity of the queen.”
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