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Bahurupinividya
131
mate with her. Therefore, he again and again went to her; discussed all his problems with her and liked to be consoled by her in his distress. He used to overwhelm her with love and affection. On that day also he went to Mandodari seeking her advice and consolation but Mandodari was in great distress. She was like a withered leaf. She seemed to be a mere skeleton without life or consciousness. Absentmindedly she received Rayan but she did not look towards him. She was experiencing a tremendous anguish. Ravan knew the depth of her agitation, worry, anguish and gloom. He was not so stupid as not to be able to realize the feelings of a mother who has lost her son.
"Manda....” Ravan said affectionately to attract Mandodari's attention. Mandodari looked towards Ravan.
“Dear Mandodari! I know how much you are grieved by what has happened. I can understand the grief of a mother's heart. I am moving heaven and earth to get Indrajit and Meghavahan released.”
Ravan sat near Mandodari and tried to console her in her distress. But his words had no effect on Mandodari. She kept looking at her husband with fixed eyes.
“Dear Mandodari ! I desire to attain the divine power called the Bahurupini, the power of assuming many identical forms. As soon as I attain that power, I will kill Lakshman and at once I will release from the enemy's clutches my brothers, sons and friends; and then of course, Sita. .. will be mine."
Ravan tried to console Mandodari but she was disconsolate and depressed. Her anguish showed that she had visualised the destruction of Lanka, of the Emperor of Lanka and of the Rakshasa race.
"I will start meditation in our temple in order to attain that power. You will have to bear the responsibility of assisting me in this endeavour; will you ?”
“As commanded by you! My lord !”
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