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428
JAIN RAMAYAN
But before that please remember a little the fate that befell your assistants Khar and Dushana."
And without saying anything further the messenger returned to Varunapuri, at once.
King Ravan gave commands to his army to get ready for the war. Khar and Dushana came from Pathal Lanka bringing with them their large armies. Sugriv also came to Lanka with his army. Many Vidyadhar kings came to Lanka with their armies and pitched their tents outside the city. Lanka began to echo with war-like preparations.
The Vidyadhar kings sent a message to Pavananjay on behalf of Ravan. As soon as they received the message Pavananjay and Manasveg made preparations to set off to Lanka with their army. Just then, Hanuman also came there. When he saw his father and his uncle getting ready to go to wars he said in a humble manner :
"Dear father! When I am here it is not proper for you to go to the wars. Kindly permit me to lead our armies to the war."
"Dear son, a war is not a children's game. Moreover King Varuna and his two sons are warriors of extraordinary prowess and heroism. What are you, compared to them ? You are but a ...."
"Dear father you are saying all this thinking that I am but a boy. But in valour I am not inferior to anyone. You kindly allow me to go to the wars. Then, you will see your son's abilities and heroism as a warrior."
Manasveg was fully aware of Hanuman's invincible valour and immortal vigour. Therefore he did not object to Hanuman's desire to go to the war. In fact, he advised Pavananjay to permit Hanuman to go to the wars but somehow Anjanadevi came to know that Hanuman was planning to go to the wars. She was greatly agitated by the news and came running. She came and embraced Hanuman and said in a voice choked with emotion; "Dear son! You are yet young to go to the wars. Dear child ! I cannot live even for a moment without you by my side...."
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