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Only One Blunder
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At once, Kanakodari felt deeply sorry for what she had done She realized her blunder. She deeply regretted her action. Within a few moments the sweet and compassionate words of the sadhvi chastened her evil propensities. Her heart became pure and soft like a flower. At once, she took out the image from the rubbish heap. She cleaned it with the edge of her sari; touched its feet with overflowing devotion and placed it in her flowerbasket. She saluted the sadhviji and proceeded towards the garden.
Sulekha was waiting for Kanakodari with great eagerness. When she saw her coming back she hurried towards her:
"Is it over ?" Sulekha asked her. But Kanakodari did not give any reply. She was silent. She began walking silently towards the city. Sulekha was, at a loss, to know what had happened. She began to entertain all sorts of doubts and fears. She silently followed her.
Lights were burning in the palace. The night had already set in. Kanakodari, instead of going to her palace, went straight to the palace of Queen Lakshmivati. The sight there was heartrending. All were plunged in sorrow. Even the maids and attendants were steeped in deep anguish. They were speaking of various possibilities. The members of the royal family were worried about Queen Lakshmivati's fasting and refusing food. She had discarded food and drink; and sat in the temple, in deep meditation. She was deeply absorbed in a meditation of the Panch Parameshthi.
Kanakodari entered the temple. She took out the image from her basket; and placed it on the throne. She went to Queen Lakshmivati; placed her head in her lap; and began weeping bitterly.
Lakshmivati opened her eyes. She was delighted and elated when she saw the sacred image on its throne. She saw Kanakodari weeping aloud, with her head in her lap. She could not understand the reason for this. She wondered what the matter was. She lifted Kanakcdari's head and made her sit up. Then,
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