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Kausalya was a noble soul but her wounded pride led her to selfpity and finally she decided to commit suicide. Suicide is the last resort of the coward. Killing is a great sin, but it can be atoned, whereas, suicide is the greatest sin which has no atonement. What should have been the ideal course
27 of action for Kausalyā? She should have thought, probably my husband must have forgotten to send me the holy water. I must send a maid and procure it myself, but so overcome was she by her wounded pride that she decided to end her life abruptly. Fortunately, Dasaratha reached there on time. He was shocked to see a noose around her neck.
King Dasaratha convincing Kausalyā
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With great difficulty, he persuaded Kausalyā to abandon her plan. He threw aside the noose, gently lifted her, and placed her on a couch and asked, "Who has the audacity to hurt your feelings? Who has inflicted great anguish on you, that lead you to such a rash act. Name the person, and I shall punish him." Kausalya was still awrath. With great difficulty, she spoke in a trembling voice, 'All your consorts received the snātrajala.... all.... but me...."
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