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195
The Marvellous Incident At Kauthukamangal
“What will you do after leaving Kautukmangal ?” “I want to conquer some new Kingdoms”. "After that ?" “I desire to live there peacefully for a long time”. "When will you return to Ayodhya ?” "Sometime has to pass”.
"But what will happen to the Queens Aparajita and Sumitra if you do not return to Ayodhya ?
"I will send for them as soon as I conquer a new kingdom.”
"Which Kingdom do you desire to conquer ?” “The kingdom of Magadha”.
As soon as Kaikayi heard the name of Magadha, she was startled. She sat up on her bed; and began staring at Dasarath. "My Lord ! Conquering Magadha is easy for a mighty hero like you. But we have to make some special plans to achieve victory over Magadha. It is not so easy as you think it to be”.
"You are right. It is certainly difficult to achieve a victory against King Yashodhar of Magadha without a proper plan”.
“My dear Kaikayi herself should prepare the plan. That is my desire", Dasarath said with a smile, moving closer to Kaikayi.
"Dear Lord! You have to achieve this objective. I am merely your shadow."
After the departure of King Janak to Mithila, Dasarath felt it was not proper on his part to remain in his father-in-law's house for long. He also did not like to return to Ayodhya without knowing the state of affairs there. Therefore, he decided to conquer a new kingdom and to stay there. He thought that the kingdom of Magadha was suitable for his purpose from every point of view. He thought it beneath his dignity as a warrior
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