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JAIN RAMAYAN
with the King". Filled with doubts and fears, the attendants and maids searched for the child in every nook and corner of the palace but they could not find the child anywhere. The queen's anguish increased every moment. Like a frightened deer she kept looking this side and that and weeping aloud.
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"Who has abducted my child? I will see that the person who has abducted my child, is punished severely. I will see that, that person's bones are broken. Oh ! Find out my son and bring him to me".
Queen Videha's anger flowed out in the form of tears.
King Janaka came to know of the matter and he became speechless on hearing it. After recovering from the shock, he said, "What did you say? Do you say that the prince is not to be seen anywhere ?" His eyes were widened with doubt and fear. At once, he came to the harem. As soon as she saw the king. Queen Videha ran to him like a hunted deer; fell at his feet and began to weep aloud.
"I do not know whose wicked eyes fell upon my son and who has abducted him... Queen Videha said looking towards the King with tearful eyes. King Janak's throat was choked with grief. The tears flowed from his eyes.
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"Do not worry, my dear queen. I will send our guards to search for our son; and see which fellow had the courage to commit this enormity."
The King comforted the queen by giving this assurance to her and at once, sent for the head of his spies. He informed the chief of the spies, of the matter and ordered him to arrange to search for the child. The chief went away to carry out the command of the King. The chief of the guards and his assistants searched for the child everywhere. The wheel of time kept revolving but they could not find any sign of the child. There arose all sorts of doubts and fears in the mind of Queen Videha. There was a violent turmoil. She gave up food. She did not take a bath and discarded all her ornaments and was always seen weeping over the disappearance of her child... Who
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