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LXVIII
IN THE WHIRLPOOL OF CALAMITIES
Pathal Lanka !
The city of Pathal Lanka ! The capital of Ravana's brotherin-law. Khar looked fascinating.
Khar had two sons by name Shambuk and Sundh. The two princes entered the threshold of youth. They achieved mastery over various shastras, arts and accomplishments. Shambuk was extremely intelligent and capable. He was an ambitious young man. He was always yearning to attain the divine weapons called Suryahaskhadga. So, once, he approached his father, Khar and said in a humble voice :
"Dear father! I desire to attain the divine sword Suryahas. This is possible only in the Dandakaranya. So kindly permit me to go to the Dandakaranya."
“Dear son! You may attain Suryahas. I see no harm in this but I do not agree to your going to the Dandakaranya."
Just then Queen Chandranakha came in and said : “Who wants to go to the Dandakaranya ?” “Your son! Who else can it be?”
"No, dear son. Then Dandakaranya is a wild forest. You should not go there. You can carry out your endeavours in some other forest." Chandranakha said affectionately.
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