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JAIN RAMAYAN
reverberated with the songs of glory sung about them by their respective bards and sycophants who flattered them mentioning their titles and attainments. The leading citizens of the city and all the high state officials also came. Large crowds of people thronged the pavilion eager to see it and to watch the Swayamvar. The hearts of all were filled with eagerness, wonder and delight. At the end, two Yogis whose faces were resplendent, also arrived. King Shubhmati saluted the Yogis and received them.
Later, the King entreated them to be seated on wooden seats in a prominent place, from where they could watch the whole assembly. Moreover, all could see them when they sat there.
Just then, the voice of the court-priest began to reverberate in the atmosphere;
"The Muhurt fixed for the Swayamvar has arrived. Be aware of what is to be done. Princess Kaikayi born of an illustrious Royal family; the very embodiment of unsurpassed beauty and purity, the very image of all excellent virtues may be brought into the hall of the Swayamvar."
"As commanded by the revered one !” Saying this, a venerable, elderly woman who wore valuable dress and decorations, proceeded towards the inner chamber.
For a few moments, all eyes were fixed upon the door of the inner chamber.
A little later, Princess Kaikayi who possessed angelic beauty, came into the Swayamvar hall placing her steps showly and gracefully. It was as if the full moon emerged from behind the cover of dark, dense clouds. Joy and cheerfulness radiated from her resplendent face. All who were sitting in the Swayamvar hall were astonished to see her beauty and grace. Within a few moments, the pride of all the princes who thought highly of their appearance melted away when they saw the beauty of Kaikayi.
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