________________
XCIII
THE CONQUEST OF MATHURA
BY SHATRUGHNA
The Imperial Court of Shri Ram was packed to its capacity with the members of the Royal family, the ministers, the high. officials of the state, subordinate kings and prominent citizens. The whole atmosphere was reverberating with their joyous cries and jubilations. Waves of joy flooded the court. Meanwhile, Shri Ram's mind becalmed upon the sea of thought, still unattained the land it sought, lay waiting for auspicious gales. Lakshman and Shatrughna stood humbly on either side of Shri Ram while Vibhishan, Sugriv, Hanuman, Prince Angadh and other guests sat in seats of state. Bhamandal and the other kings also were present. The Vidyadhar kings, the Kinnar kings and the Gandharva kings were also seated in seats of state. The old Chief Minister of Ayodhya spoke humbly.
"The royal throne of Ayodhya is deprived of its lustre because of King Bharath's renunciation. Therefore, on behalf of the people of Ayodhya and also on behalf of all of you, I entreat Shri Ram to bestow his compassion upon us and to ascend the throne of Ayodhya; and to take up the reins of administration. This has been the tradition of the Ikshwaku dynasty; and I entreat Shri Ram to act according to it; and to continue it."
"Lakshman is Vasudev ! (the greatest militaric hero of the age). He should be installed on the throne; and crowned King of Ayodhya.” Shri Ram said in a resounding voice. All who had gathered there issued cries of jubilation approving of Shri Ram's opinion. At once, magnificent arrangements were made for the coronation of Lakshman as the king of Ayodhya. It was also unanimously decided that Shri Ram should be installed on the
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