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The Reunion with Relatives
197
"Land the Pushpak Viman a little away from the elephants." The pilot who was driving the Pushpak carried out Shri Ram's command. The Pushpak came circling towards the earth slowly and landed. Thousands of soldiers encircled the area. They found it necessary to check the crowds who were rushing forth like tidal waves. As soon as the Pushpak landed, Shri Ram and Lakshman leaped to the ground from the Pushpak. Bharath and Shatrughna ran forth and fell at the feet of Shri Ram. The tears of joy were streaming from their eyes. Shri Ram lifted Bharath holding his shoulders and embraced him. Again and again he kissed Bharath's forehead and wiped the tears in Bharath's eyes with his upper-cloth. Shatrughna bathed Shri Ram's feet with tears. Shri Ram embraced Shatrughna also with overflowing affection. Then Bharath and Shatrughna saluted the feet of Lakshman. Lakshman embraced Bharath and Shatrughna with his strong arms.
No one found words to speak out their feelings. All were silent. If they wanted to speak out anything, their hearts and eyes revealed their feelings and thoughts. They seemed to be conversing with their eyes. The reunion took place in silence and the reception also took place in silence. The vast masses of people experienced inordinate joy when they saw the sight of the reunion of the brothers. Sita wiped her tears with the edge of her sari.
Shri Ram accompanied by his three brothers and Sita sat again in the Pushpak. He ordered that the Pushpak should fly into the city of Ayodhya and land at the gate of the palace. The cries of joy and jubilation issued by the people reverberated in the horizons. Melodious tunes emanating from musical instruments and bands of pipers and drummers filled the air. The Pushpak entered Ayodhya. Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman saw their native city after a long time. They were overwhelmed with delight at the sight of their native city of Ayodhya. The city of Ayodhya magnificently decorated seemed to be extending a hearty welcome to Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman.
The women and maidens who stood in thousands on the balconies of palatial mansions flung fragrant flowers and holy
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