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140
JAIN RAMAYAN
I have committed a great blunder. Being enthralled by my infatuation for her I have involved Lanka in a disastrous war. I scoffed at Vibhishan's counsel. I insulted him greatly. I have brought a reproach on the Rakshasa dynasty by acting thoughtlessly and by falling a pray to my infatuation. Oh! What I have done is improper but what is the use of regrets now? If I surrender Sita now to Ram that will be a great disgrace to me. The world will say, "Fearing Shri Ram's heroism, daunted by his radiance and dreading his vast army, Ravan has surrendered Sita to Shri Ram." Of course, I do not care for what people may say but I am not merely a king; I am an Emperor. It is absolutely improper for a king to be disgraced thus. Therefore I will manage the situation in such a way that Ram and Lakshman will enter Lanka. As soon as they enter, I will surrender Sita to them. Of course, this is the best thing to do now and the only way to regain the honour and prestige, I have lost so far. This is the only golden opportunity to me. There is no other way."
This was the first time that Ravan entertained the thought of sending back Sita to Shri Ram. His infatuation for Sita had already disappeared. At once, he returned from the Devaraman garden. He gave orders to his commanders to make preparations for the war and then proceeded to Mandodari's chamber.
Ravan revealed to Mandodari his innate thoughts and feelings. He discarded all his infatuation for Sita. Mandodari was delighted to hear this. Her love and adoration for Ravan surged out in waves. Ravan and Mandodari spent the night in joy and elation.
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