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Kaikayi's Swayamvar
different thing to captivate the heart of a beautiful damsel. We should attend the Swayamvar to put this matter to the test. Let us see who is more fortunate...." Dasarath said trying to remove king Janak's doubt and then both fell into deep thoughtfulness.
"Shall we go to the Swayamvar, in this disguise ?"
"Yes, king! We have to remain in this disguise yet; and this is proper for us because the news has spread everywhere that King Dasarath has been killed by Vibhishan." Dasarath said calmly.
"But the news of my assassination has not yet reached our Janak said with natural eagerness.
ears."
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"It is likely that Vibhishan has been satisfied with killing only Dasarath".
"Then where is the need for my being in disguise ?"
"You are right. But it is also necessary that we should find out what the various kings and princes attending the Swayamvar may say about us. It will be proper if you discard your disguise afterwards".
"Let it be so. I too think that that is the right way."
And the two kings kept discussing their future plans late into the night. Neither got a wink of sleep. Both went to bed reciting the Namaskar Mahamantra. It was past midnight. They could get sleep only some hours later.
King Shubhmati got a magnificent pavilion built for the Swayamvar of his dear daughter Kaikayi. At the time fixed for the Swayamvar many emperors, kings and princes were seated in resplendent thrones in the hall. King Shubhmati stood at the entrance of the hall with his ministers; and received all the visitors with due honour.
One after another, emperor, kings and princes came into the hall exhibiting their royal splendour. The whole atmosphere
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