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Nāradaji's arrival at Lankā
031 IoTOOOO
Rāma, Laksmana and Sitā spent six happy years at Lankā. When the sage Närada arrived at the court of King Bibhișana, Rāma and Lakşmana personally welcomed him. Nārada revealed to them that their mothers Kausalyā and Sumitra were worried about them.
When Rama heard this, he said, "O great king Bibhişana, your devotion and hospitality indeed lured us to such an extent that we have stayed here for six long years, enjoying the luxurious life, while our mothers were spending sleepless nights. I hope the pangs of separation do not end their lives, before we meet them. O king, pray, do not think that your hospitality had any flaws that made us think of Ayodhyā, but we must leave. Kindly grant us the permission."
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Bibhisana said, "Rāma, when you leave, we will once again be subjected to darkness and despair yet, I would not like you to prolong your stay, for I am aware of the pangs experienced by mother Kausalya and Sumitra. Yet, I beseech you to extend your sojourn here for sixteen days more. My sculptors and artists, till then, will transform Ayodhyā into Alkānagari of Kubera. Pray, stay here for another sixteen days, it will also prepare us to live without you, your esteemed brother and consort Sita."
The sage Närada hurried Ayodhya and informed everyone that Sri Rama will shortly be arriving with Laksmana and Sita. The joy of Kausalya and Sumitrā knew no bounds, when they heard this. In the meantime, the artisans from Lanka reached Ayodhyā and within sixteen days, transformed Ayodhyā into the domain of Kubera, Alkāpuri.
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