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431 “Why not? Not one : I can bear with five strokes."
The news of Lakshman's arrival in the court spread like wildfire in the city. The news reached even the harem. The queen came into the court accompanied by princess Jita padma. She sat in a throne near the king and looked at Lakshman. On seeing him, she felt dazed by the splendour of his face and kept seeing him oblivious of herself and her surroundings. Princess Jitapadma felt fascinated by Lakshman at the very first sight. Love ran through her veins with electric rapidity. She kept looking at him spell-bound. She became excited on hearing that Lakshman would bear with five mighty strokes of King Shatru
aman. She could not control her emotions. She, forgetting herself, entreated the king :
"Dear father! Do not deal your mighty strokes to him. I have fallen in love with him.”
"No, dear child, that is not possible. How can a Kshatriya give up his pledge ? Therefore, strokes have to be dealt,” Shatrudaman said firmly.
“Dear king! You may deal not one stroke but five. I agree to your condition.” Lakshman said with a smiling face.
Jitapadma was filled with mortal dread. She despised her father's conditions and pledge.
Then, in the full court, King Shatrudaman dealt a stroke to Lakshman. Lakshman bore with it calmly. The king dealt the second, the third and the fourth strokes but Lakshman remained firm and unshaken like the Himalayas, the king of Mountains. The king dealt his fifth stroke upon Lakshman's teeth. He bore with that stroke also.
Jitapadma's joy knew no bounds. At once, overwhelmed with joy, she stood up; went to Lakshman and decorated his neck, with a garland.
"O you mighty hero! I am supremely pleased with your extraordinary strength and valour. Kindly marry my daughter and render our lives blessed."
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