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114
JAIN RAMAYAN
The third phase of the night had almost ended. Only three hours were left for the day-break.
The airship was speeding towards Lanka. Bhamandal took it higher and higher into the sky. He began to entertain a fear; "If Ravan comes to know of this, he may cause some impediment."
Naturally impediments are feared in respect of auspicious actions.
Vibhishan, Sugriv, Viradh, Jambhavan and the other mighty heroes and warriors were impatiently and eagerly looking for the arrival of those who had gone to fetch the miraculous water. Shri Ram experiencing conflicting feelings of hopes and fears said to Sugriv..."Have Bhamandal and the others returned ?" Sugriv said in reply to this, "Not yet, but they will soon be here.” He moved a few paces forward and looked in the direction of Ayodhya.
The fourth phase of the night began. Some minutes passed.
In the eastern horizon the darkness slightly brightened. Sugriv, Vibhishan and the others began to shudder with fear. Their hearts were filled with fears and doubts..."Has the sun risen ?” Just then all their fears vanished. Suddenly fear gave place to delight. They saw the airship approaching them. Vibhishan gave out the first cry of jubilation. Sugriv ran to Shri Ram and said to him, in a rather loud voice.
"My lord! Vishalya has been brought here !"
Shri Ram stood up at once. The airship landed near Lakshman. At once Vishalya leaped out of the airship. She saw her beloved Lakshman lying unconscious on the ground. The sight broke her heart but, at once she offered a prayer to the Panchaparameshtis and sat near Lakshman. She touched with her hand Lakshman's chest which had been wounded. She closed her eyes and began the meditation.
Vibhishan, Sugriv, Bhamandal, Hanuman, Chandrarashmi, Nala, Neel, Angadh and others stood around them holding weapons in their hands.
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