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Meeting Narad
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and Meghavahan untied the animals from the pegs and released them; and they too came towards the pavilion.
"Dear brother, the sacrificial fire is burning still. Push them here, we will send them to heaven directly”.
Total ruination! There was time for somebody to instigate him. Kumbhakarna seized a few people and threw them up into the air. There was a commotion everywhere. All were in mortal dread. Their lives were in danger. Out of fear they were trying to run away; but king Maruth came there suddenly and ordered that the Yajna should be given up. He also entreated Kumbhakarna not to kill the people.
"Oh lord ! Forgive me. In future, I will not encourage this kind of rituals even by a mistake. Oh graceful lord ! Kindly pardon us". They entreated him to save their lives.
Kumbhakarna was moved to compassion. He released them from his clutches. Soon, the atmosphere in the palace of King Maruth was pervaded with joy and jubilation. In the place where earlier, the hectic activities were going on the whole area was now teeming with his men like waves rolling in a lake.
After taking a bath they worshipped the Paramatma; had their food and then gathered in the court. Narad also was present. : .
"Divine sage ? Again and again various kinds of doubts have been rising in my mind. If these are cleared. ." Ravan said breaking the ice in the royal court.
"Certainly your doubts can be cleared”. The divine sage. Narad said fixing his eyes on Ravan:
“Divine sage! When did this practice of killing animals at Yajnas begin ?"
"Oh you King of Lanka ! Your question is relevant to the occasion. There is a thrilling story behind it.”.
"Won't you tell us what it is !” Vibhishan said.
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