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LXXVIII
THE INVASION OF LANKA
Extraordinary preparations were made for the war. Lakhs of horses, elephants, chariots and airships stood for miles around Kishkindha.
Crores of warriors got ready for the campaign with their weapons. Enormous quantities of weapons were kept ready. Chandrarashmi was in charge of the arrangements relating to the collection of weapons and organising warriors and vehicles. King Sugriv, Bhamandal, Prasannakirti, Viradh and Hanuman were deeply engaged in deciding upon the route. the army formations and other preparations relating to the strategy of war. Nal, Neel, Jambhavan, Angadh and the other great warriors were engaged in their respective tasks with great enthusiasm. They had also the task of explaining to people the cause for the war. Shri Ram and Lakshman were supervising all these preparations and were giving Sugriv and others, the necessary suggestions. All the preparations were completed within a short time. Prince Chandrarashmi entreated Shri Ram to begin the march at an auspicious time.
And on a splendid morning, jubilant with a golden radiance....
The drums of war were beaten.
Queen Tara decorated the foreheads of Shri Ram and Lakshman with the Tilak; flung upon them holy rice-grain and performed an aarathi wishing them success in their endeavour. The court-priest advised them to start in an auspicious muhurt and the march began in an atmosphere of absolute seriousness.
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