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JAIN RAMAYAN
affection. Sugriv and the other great heroes swayed with delight and elation.
Eastern horizon grew rosy.
Cool breezes began to blow as harbingers of the sun. Birds began to sing gleefully and to twitter in the skies. Just then Lakshman opened his eyes and saw Vishalya sitting beside him.
Vishalya was filled with joy and elation. She lowered her eyes with shyness. Her heart overflowed with love. Her white face became flushed and reddened.
Lakshman stretched his limbs and sat up. He looked round a little silently. Then he stood up. He embraced Shri Ram. Sugriv issued a cry of jubilation which reverberated in the skies. The Vanara armies issued cries of joy and jubilation. The whole atmosphere was filled with joy. The day dawned.
But Ravan did not come out of Lanka, on that morning; nor was there any sign of his coming out of Lanka. There was absolute silence in the battle-field.
Bhamandal humbly approached Shri Ram and said
"Oh you, ocean of compassion! King Dronamegh has bestowed a great benefit upon us. The noble lady, Vishalya has brought back to life not only Lakshman but all of us. She also bestowed a great benefit on Sita. Therefore, we deem it our duty to inform you of a condition put forth by Vishalya. Vishalya and her thousand companions had decided to marry Lakshman. In consequence, King Dronamegh told us that Lakshman should marry Vishalya and her companions and we promised him that he would fulfil his desire." Shri Ram was delighted to hear this.
"I command Lakshman to marry Vishalya and her companions at once."
Lakshman gave his silent consent to carry out his elder brother's command.
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