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LXXI
SUGRIVA'S GRIEF
The Vanardweep was fascinating like heaven.
The city of Kishkindha was situated on a high mountain peak. It was the capital of Sugriv, the valiant ruler of the Vanardweep. The Vanardweep was prosperous and happy because of Sugriva's able administration and his constant concern for the welfare of his people. Th strong bondage of amity between King Sugriv and Dashmukh Ravan, the King of Lanka. Similarly, Khar, the Rakshasa King of Pathal Lanka also was a friend of Sugriv.
Sugriv had married an extraordinarily beautiful lady called Tara but after his marriage, there appeared hostility between him and Sahasagathi, the Vidyadhar prince. They became bitter enemies. The cause for their enemity was that Sahasagati desired to marry Tara but she married Sugriv. Sahasagati loved Tara greatly but he could not marry her. Therefore, he became hostile towards Sugriy but he was helpless against Sugriva's valour. Yet, somehow he was always yearning to win Tara. He went to the valleys of the Himalayas and performed a tremendous Tapas. He attained a divine power called Pratharini. As soon as he attained this power he came to Kishkindha with the purpose of fulfilling his desire.
By means of the power called Pratharini he assumed the form of Sugriy. He looked fascinating. At once, he went into the garden of Kishkindha. At that time, Sugriv had gone to the outer gardens of Kishkindha to play sports. Sahasagati who had assumed the form of Sugriv decided to take advantage of Sugriva's absence from the harem. Accordingly, he entered the
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