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Pathal Lanka
"Mother! The enemies may be stronger than we but does it mean that we should not encounter them? If we fearing defeat run away we will be accepting defeat ourselves. Yet if you insist that I should not fight we shall go away to Lanka."
483
The very next moment Sund drove slowly out of the field. His soldiers also retreated. When Viradh noticed that Sund was retreating he went forward and attacked him but Sund taking the surviving soldiers with him set off towards Lanka.
Viradh accompanied by Shri Ram and Lakshman entered Pathal Lanka with all grandeur and eclat. Khar had constructed the city of Pathal Lanka artistically and beautifully. It was like an image of Lanka.
The sky-high mansions of Pathal Lanka; its broad and attractive roads, its fascinating flower-gardens; the temples, the pillars of victory, the bazaars and circles reminded one of Indrapuri, the heavenly capital of Indra.
Viradh entreated Shri Ram to stay in Khar's magnificent palace and he decided to stay in Sund's palace. He was supremely happy to have regained his father's kingdom and he always rendered service to Shri Ram and Lakshman who had helped him in regaining his kingdom but Shri Ram was in deep anguish. Lakshman's anguish also increased.
"Viradh! Have you received any news about Sita ?"
"No, dear Lord! I have not yet received any news from anyone. I have sent my ablest officials in search of mother, Sita. The task of searching for Sita is being carried out with all caution and quickness. Yet we have not so far received any happy news."
"Then, how long are we to wait here? Lakshman ! Prepare for our journey. Let us go in search of Sita ourselves. Oh! I do not know what difficulties Sita is experiencing." Shri Ram heaved a deep sigh.
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"Oh you venerable hero! You need not go in search of Sita. I am engaged in that task. My ablest officers are searching for
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