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rulers. I am left with no alternative except renouncing Sita." Saying this, he sent for general Krtantavadana.
2
The spies again returned to the palace in the late hours of night, but when they reached Rama's sanctum, they found that King Lakşmaņa was also present there. When Lakşmana heard about the public opinion, he was annoyed. Trembling with wrath, he shouted, "For anyone who dares to question the purity of mother Sitā, I am Yamarāj, the God of death. I shall step out and cut those wagging tongues.” Rāma said, “Dear brother, muds linging on Sita's character is a frequent event in our empire. The spies have time to time informed me about this occurance. I have myself stepped out in disguise and heard people not only criticizing Sitā, but also hurling abuses at me as well. It is time to denounce Sitā. For a man of our upbringing, nothing is more valuable than the family reputation. Morever, the surgeons prescribe amputation of a limb etc when the gangrene sets in. Sita is an inseparable part of my being, but her presence is poisoning my reputation. If I divorce her, I will be incomplete, imperfect, but I am forced to forsake Sitā, to gaurd the fame of our dynasty. As it is said, when an event of total destruction arises, a wiseman saves on half and carries on his work. Total destruction is really imbearable. In fact, life without Sita is worse than death, but I will have to sacrifice my love and personal happiness at the altar of our family's name." Lakşmaņa said, "Pray do not forsake Sita because the people find her moral character dubious. Common people are invariably double mouthed. Today, they are questioning her loyalty to you. Tomorrow, they will be heaping praises on her. What's more, don't you think that Sita is being punished for the offence she has never committed. Won't it be injustice? Sita is pregnant and you cannot forsake her at such a crucial time? Who will take care of her when you leave her? She is carrying the heir to the noblest dynasty on the earth. Her plight will cause unprecedented damage to the future of your progeny." Rāma said, "I agree that the collective memory of the people is very weak, yet at present, the public opinion is against Sitā and we cannot afford to ignore it. When people unite, they can topple mighty
Lakşmaņa, pleading at Rāma's Feet
Emotional Lakşmaņa fell at his brother's feet and began to sob. He repeatedly said, "Sita is a Mahāsati. Your action of renouncing Sita is not only inappropriate but also unethical." Rama did not pay heed to his pleas, but he did not give up. He repeatedly appealed his brother to let Sitä live with him. Finally, Rāma lost his temper and said, "Brother Laksmana, I desire that you do not discuss this topic with me anymore. I have heard enough, and remember, no matter what you say, you can't change my resolve." After hearing this, the crestfallen Laksmana covered his face with the upper cloth and dragged himself away with great difficulty. He was a king. He could have ordered Rāma to change his decision, but he prefered not to argue with his elder brother.
When the general Krtāntavadana arrived, Rama said, “My able general, your ability and foresight has always brought us victory, but today | order you to perform a job which is unpleasant, unethical and yet essential. I am sure that you must have heard the libeous and slanderous accusations made by the citizens of Ayodhyā against Sita. Though I know that there is no substance in them, I have still decided to forsake Sitā, inorder to protect the reputation of Surya dynasty. You are aware that Sita is pregnant and she desires to worship Sammeta śikhara. I order you to be her charioteer. Leave the precincts of Ayodhyā under the pretext of taking her for a pilgrimage. When you reach the dense forest, leave her alone and return."
le, they can topp
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