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352
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Indeed Sita's devotion for her husband is astounding !"
"Indeed, this is an extraordinary example of the devotion of a wife to her husband."
"Sita has brought glory to the families of her father and her mother."
"Oh! She is not at all daunted by the unbearable hardships of the forest life."
The women of the city expressed their reaction thus admiring and sympathizing with Sita. They also extended to her their heartfelt wishes for her welfare and prosperity. At that time, Lakshman was taking rest in his chamber. So he did not know that Shri Ram and Sita were going away to the forest. When he found the attendants sobbing, he asked them :
"What has happened? Why are you weeping?"
Nobody gave any reply but all wept aloud. They were all plunged in deep grief. Lakshman was greatly perplexed. He said again. "What is the matter? Why are you weeping? At least, let me know the reason for all this!"
An attendant said sobbing..
"Dear prince! Shri Ram and princess Sita have set off to the forest."
"What did you say? Have they set off to the forest? Has my elder brother gone away without taking me with him? How can this happen?" Lakshman felt confounded. His mind was deeply agitated. He went up to the topmost chamber of his palace and began walking up and down in sheer helplessness. He thought:
"Actually my father is plain and simple. The hearts of women are unfathomable....They are hypocritical. Kaikayi should have asked for the boon much earlier. Why did she not do so? She has asked for the boon now when my elder brother was about to be crowned king and when he was about to ascend
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