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46
JAIN RAMAYAN
to him. He might not like it. Whatever it might be she did not think of the disgrace that her action, would bring upon Lanka, the people of Lanka, the Rakshasa dynasty and the Empire of Lanka. On the other hand, she extended active co-operation to her husband whose wrong policies and actions would ruin the noble traditions of the Rakshasa dynasty.
When Mandodari's chariot stopped at the main gate of the Devaraman garden, the attendant Trijata came running to her. On approaching her, she saluted Mandodari and said !
"Honoured Queen! A strange transformation has taken place in Sita. Today, her face is decked with sweet smiles. Her heart seems to be swaying in delight. She seems to have forgotten all her grief and anguish. I think she will surely act upon your suggestion today; and that the long cherished desire of the emperor of Lanka will be fulfilled."
“I have come here only to carry out the emperor's task."
Trijata ran back to Sita and informed her of Mandodari's arrival. Sita at once concealed the ring at her waist and kept looking with fixed eyes at Mandodari who was approaching her. Mandodari approached Sita and sat near her. She did not allow Trijata even to offer her a seat. Trijata stood silent at a distance. After being silent for a few moments, Mandodari said.
"Sita! You have been sad and depressed all these days. Only, today, I see a little cheerfulness in your face. I am really happy about it. She kept silent for a while to watch the effect of her words on Sita. At the same time Hanuman who sat concealed in the Ashoka tree kept watching carefully the feelings and thoughts appearing on the face of Mandodari. Trijata had no interest in their conversation.
“The emperor of Lanka is indeed the lord of incomparable wealth. The beauty of his form and the charm of his face are unexampled.” She continued in the same vein gently stroking Sita's shoulders; "And Sita is unexampled in her beauty not only in the whole world but in the three worlds. Destiny might not have united you in marriage with Ravan but it is really fortu
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