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Pathal Lanka
481
“Lakshman! You are right. I will send our guards and our ablest spies to search for Sita.” At once Viradh sent his warriors in search of Sita in all directions. Countless warriors went in search of Sita and began searching for her in the Dandakaranya.
Shri Ram looked towards Viradh. Viradh prostrated before Shri Ram Lakshman introducing Viradh to Shri Ram said :
“My lord! He is prince Viradh, the son of Chandrodar, the king of Pathal Lanka who was usurped by Khar and Dushan. I have proclaimed him the king of Pathal Lanka. Kindly bestow your blessings upon him."
“Dear brother, we must keep up our promise at any cost. Soon after we receive news of Sita we shall instal him on the throne of Pathal Lanka. That is our responsibility.”
"Only your grace my Lord!" Viradh said politely and the three sat waiting for the soldiers and spies who had gone in search of Sita. Shri Ram was in great anguish. Lakshman was burning with anger as he thought of the abductor. Viradh kept looking in all directions for his officers and spies. .
In the evening, one by one the officers and spies returned disappointed. When Shri Ram asked them for news about Sita they stood silent with bowed heads. His anguish knew no bounds. Shri Ram said :
“You have tried your best to search for Sita. No trace of Sita has been found but it is not your fault. Who can alter the decrees of Destiny ?" Shri Ram said in a tone of deep despair, Just then Viradh said politely;
"My Lord! Do not give way to despair. Hope brings success. Retain hope. I am your slave. I shall always be rendering service to you. Kindly come to Pathal Lanka. Please first crown me king there and afterwards it will be easy for us to search for Sita.”
Lakshman said endorsing Viradh's opinion, "Dear brother ! Viradh is right. It will be easy for us to search for Sita if we
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