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86
Sitā collapsed
Krtantavadana immediately rushed to Sita's sanctum and said, "Your husband and my master Rama has ordered me to escort you to Sammeta śikhara, for he knows that you are eager to visit this holy center of pilgrimage. He wants us to begin our journey right now." Sita believed it and mounted the chariot without asking any question. The nature, through the ominous signs, tried to warn Sitā about the tragedy that was about to unfold, but for Sita, Rāma words were the words of God and Rama's desire was the desire of God. She went ahead without any hesitation.
The chariot crossed the precincts of Ayodhya and entered the forests. It covered a great distance and finally halted in a dense forest called Simhaninada. Krtantavadana descended from the chariot. His face was ashened. Tears were constantly flowing from his downcast eyes. When Sita noticed the pale countenance of the general, she asked, "General Krtantavadana, why have you stopped the chariot? Why is your face pale and eyes downcast?"
Krtantavadana replied, "I am your servant, hence, I cannot humiliate you with either harsh words or behaviour, yet I am compelled to perform this unpleasant task. For a prolong period, you stayed at the abode of Ravana, whose weakness for women is world known. People in Ayodhya are making slanderous statements regarding your purity and character. Unfortunately, Rama has learnt about it through his spies. He pondered over this perilous situation and finally decided to forsake you. King Laksmana repeatedly urged him to change his decision but Rama remained adamant. Finally, he ordered me, an impure and lowly person, to perform this horrible task. I have been ordered by Rama to discard you in the thick forest and return. I shall be leaving you shortly. Pray, forgive me. You have done me no wrong and yet, I am ruining your happiness. The power of your virtue will keep you alive." When Sitā heard his words, she swooned.
The charioteer thought that the impact of the news he just delivered was too much for Sita to bear and therefore she gave up her life. He considered himself responsible for this tragedy and began to weep. After sometime, Sita regained her consciousness and began to lament and swooned once again. The cool forest breezes helped her to regain consciousness. She controlled herself and after a while, asked the general, "How far are we from Ayodhya ?" Krtantavadana replied, "Mother, your question is meaningless, for. even King Laksmana could not break the strong resolve of Rama. I think you can never return Ayodhyā. We are now hundreds of miles away from Ayodhya. If you desire to convey any message to
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