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The Establishment of the Queen's Chastity
and a new consciousness seemed to be running through their veins. Nayana, of course, began to dance with elation. She speedily ran out of the palace. Outside the palace, in the spacious courtyard, there stood thousands of people of Ayodhya, grieved by the King's sickness. Nayana conveyed to them the happy news of the King's recovery. Just then, the Chief Minister also came out. He said with a voice elated by joy: "Brothers and sisters! There is no need for any worry or anxiety. The King has been cured of his dreadful fever. Rejoice at this miracle and celebrate it with jubilation. The sublime chastity of Queen Simhika has freed the king from all his dreadful maladies. Please go and organize celebrations and jubilations. Ring the bells in the temples. Organize an eight-day programme of devotional activities in the temples of the Jin. Illuminate the city in the nights with ghee-lamps."
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"May King Nagush be victorious and prosperous! May our beloved Queen Simhika live long! May the rule of the Ikshvaku line be everlasting!" The jubilant cries of the people reverbe
rated in the skies.
Then, the members of the royal family and the state officials prostrated before Queen Simhika; and said in a voice shaken with emotion; "Oh goddess! You have brought imperishable glory to the Royal line of Ayodhya. You have hoisted the flag of its fame high over the world. On account of our ignorance, kindly forgive us."
even we
"Dear Chief Minister ! Where is the need for any forgiveness here? You have not offended me in any way. No one has offended me. This calamity was caused by my own sinful karmas. You need not worry. Everything takes place for the good. All will be well by the grace of the supreme Lord Parameshwar....
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"Nayana, let us go!" Queen Simhika turned to go back to her palace.
"Honoured Queen! Where do you want to go? Kindly stay here." The Chief Minister said in a humble manner.
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