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XCII
TOWARDS THE PATH OF SAMYAM
Shri Ram had already given orders to the Chief Minister to make the necessary arrangements for the initiation ceremony. Invitations were sent to Vibhishan, Sugriv, Viradh, Bhamandal, Nal, Neel, Ratnajati and Hanuman to attend the initiation ceremony. Invitations were also sent to all the kings and potentates whom Shri Ram had met during his wanderings in the forest.
The night had already enveloped the earth. Darkness had spread everywhere. Silence and stillness reigned supreme in the atmosphere. The silent and desolate streets of Ayodhya looked bleak, despite the gleaming light of the street lights. Though the night had far advanced, the people of the city could not get sleep. No one in the city could get a wink of sleep. The same was the situation in the royal family, in the palace. Though it was midnight all were awake. No trace of joy was visible anywhere.
The palace of Queen Kaikayi was of course, resplendent with the lights of the lamps decked with precious stones. Kaikayi sat on her cot which sparkled with the radiance of countless gems studded to it. Bharath sat on a throne just opposite to her. For several hours, the mother and the son were engaged in a serious conversation. After having secured the consent of Shri Ram and Queen Aparajita to pursue the path of Charitradharma, he had found it essential to secure his mother's consent. Kaikayi was experiencing at the same time, the contrary and conflicting emotions of distress and delight. She was listening to Bharath with a serene mind but now and then overcome with her affection for him, she became agitated. She said :
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