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LXXXVI
IN THE PALACE OF AYODHYA
The architects, the sculptors and the artisans of Lanka sent by Vibhishan had decorated and rebuilt the city of Ayodhya in such a way that the city with its topless towers, magnificent mansions, resplendent palaces, radiant roads and festooned alleys and the gardens which smiled with sinuous streams, fragrant flowers and lakes of pellucid waters looked fascinating like a celestial city. After a long time the city of Ayodhya had lost its look of desolation and gloom and had put on a look of joy and jubilation. The fragrant breezes that were blowing over the city seemed to be bringing the message of the arrival of Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman. The citizens of Ayodhya knew that Ravan had carried away Sita in a deceptive manner; and that Shri Ram and Lakshman had killed him in the war and had regained Sita. Therefore, the joy of the people knew no bounds.
The common people of the city had grown almost mad with the desire of having a glimpse of Shri Ram. Not only that; they were also eager to hear from Shri Ram himself the stories of his travels through the forests with Sita and Lakshman. They wanted to hear from him all about the fabulous splendour of Lanka. They desired to hear from him the thrilling story of the war against Ravan. They were also eager to see the famous Pushpak Viman of Ravan by which Shri Ram and others were travelling to Ayodhya. They had heard many amazing stories about the Pushpak Viman. Now they were happy that they would have the golden opportunity of seeing it. So, the minds of the citizens of Ayodhya ranged endlessly towards the horizons of joy and jubilation imagining countless glorious things.
The women of Ayodhya were eager to meet and greet Sita and to receive her with affection and honour. All the women of
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