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176
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Dear mother! We cannot forget that it was Lakshman who killed Ravan in the battle."
“Dear son! My son Lakshman can kill not only a hero like Ravan but also Indra the king of gods. He is a mighty hero. I have known him from childhood. Haven't I ?”
The three mothers looked cheerful because of the prospect of the return of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita. A little later, Shatrughna and his mother entered the chamber. When they came and sat near Bharath, he said, “Dear brother! Shri Ram. Lakshman and Sita are coming tomorrow. I think you have made all arrangements to extend a magnificent welcome to them. I think you have also got palaces decorated so that they can reside in those palaces without any discomfort."
“Yes! I made all those arrangements. I think you have informed our Chief Minister to get a proclamation made with drum-beats regarding the arrival of Shri Ram and others."
"The Chief Minister has ordered the officers to make the proclamation. Already, officers have gone to make the proclamation at all the important places in the city. The people of the city are in a mood of overflowing joy and jubilation. The city has been colourfully decorated with arches and festoons. Every mansion in Ayodhya has been made fascinating. The streets and the roads of the city have been cleaned and sprinkled with fragrant and cool water."
Bharath felt happy to hear all this from Shatrughna. His face became radiant with joy. He was silent for a while and then remembering something suddenly, he said,
"Dear brother Shatrughna! You know that Vibhishan, the king of Lanka; Sugriv, the king of Vanaras; Hanuman and other great warriors are also accompanying Shri Ram. I hope you have made arrangements for their stay."
"Dear brother! You need not worry about those things. The Chief Minister is personally making those arrangements. Moreover, our guests will stay in the magnificent palaces built anew by the architects and sculptors of Lanka."
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