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470
JAIN RAMAYAN
continuous weeping. Ravan's infatuation kept increasing but he did not want to force her. So, he went near her and said :
“Dear Sita! You are weeping unnecessarily. You should be happy now instead of weeping. You are going to be the Queen consort of Emperor Dashmuk, the Emperor of the entire Vidyadhar world.”
Sita turned away from him. She could not hear his ignoble words. But Ravan who was blinded with passion continued. "Dear Sita, it is a great misfortune that you should be wandering with Ram who is a beggar. Actually, he is not worthy of being your husband. Now, you have reached the right place. You are going to be the Queen of Lanka.”
"O Sita! Call me once, 'My Lord'. I deem myself honoured to be your slave." And at once Ravan fell at the feet of Sita. He folded his hands and began entreating Sita with an agitated face. Sita's tender heart was torn with grief and anguish. She moved away from him out of utter contempt for him.
Ravan again fell at her feet. She at once moved away. Noble women do not allow other men even to touch them. After sometime, .she said in venomous words :
"You shameless, heartless, hard-hearted man! Are you not ashamed of your ignobility ? Very soon you are going to taste the bitter fruit of your desire for another man's wife. Wicked fellow ! Shri Ram and Lakshman will punish you for your sin. Keep off. Keep away from me. If you move one step further, you will die."
The Pushpak reached the outskirts of the city of Lanka. The Chief Minister Saran and the heads of the army extended a hearty welcome to him. The Chieftains and the leading citizens of the city received him with great honour. The people of the city extended an honourable welcome to him.
At that moment, Sita took a vow before all.
"Until I hear that Shri Ram and Lakshman are safe, I will not eat food. I will fast till then.”
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