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422
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Is King Bharath so capable as to reject the overlordship of King Ativirya ?" said Shri Ram.
"O great hero ! Undoubtedly King Ativirya is a mighty hero. He possesses invincible valour, incomparable strength and astounding militaric abilities but it is also true that King Bharath of Ayodhya is not less heroic. His valour and his militaric and
tegic wisdom are well-known. Therefore, neither of them is willing to accept the other's overlordship. But of course actually King Ativirya wants Bharath to be his subordinate. His greatest desire is that Bharath should accept his overlordship."
“Dear messenger, you may go back. We will come there at once."
After the messenger went away King Mahidhar looked towards Shri Ram. His face was serious.
"How ignorant Ativirya is! He is really devoid of sense, though he is a king. He is planning to fight against Bharath with our assistance."
Suddenly, King Mahidhar grew angry with King Ativirya. He thought of Ativirya with contempt. He went away to his chamber taking Shri Ram and Lakshman with him.
Commencing the discussion, King Mahidhar said :
"Oh hero ! I think that we should proceed to Nandyavarthpur with our armies. Ativirya may think that we are going to help him but we shall not join him. We shall support Bharath and we shall kill Ativirya who is despicable."
Lakshman looked towards Shri Ram. Shri Ram was deeply pondering over the situation. There was silence everywhere. No one said anything. No one seemed to have anything to say. After a little while breaking the silence Shri Ram said with an elevated voice.
“Oh King! You need not take the trouble of going to Nandyavarthpur. Your armies also need not be taken there. I will go there personally and do what is proper."
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