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JAIN RAMAYAN
noticed that Shri Ram was absent-minded and worried. Vibhishan also noticed the mental state of Shri Ram. But they were helpless. It was not in their power to relieve Shri Ram of his agitation. They had come to know of the cause for his distress. Once, Sugriv had seen Shri Ram in such a state of distress and anguish. That was when Ravan had abducted Sita and when they had not been able to find out the whereabouts of Sita. Shri Ram had gone to Kishkindha in boundless grief and anguish. Now, Shri Ram was experiencing the same anguish as he had experienced when Lakshman lay lifeless almost, hit by the Amoghavijaya released by Ravan.
Sugriv and Vibhishan sat before Shri Ram, yet Shri Ram kept looking into the sky with fixed eyes. He had totally forgotten himself in thinking of the affair of Sita. The news had reached the ears of Lakshman also. “The city-heads met Shri Ram and had some secret discussion with him. Since then Shri Ram has been in great anguish.” Lakshman learnt all this from reliable sources. As soon as he heard this, he went to meet Shri Ram. He entered Shri Ram's chamber and bowed to him. He was greatly shocked to see Shri Ram in distress.
Shri Ram sat lost in his thoughts. He was thinking: “I destroyed Ravan and his friends for the sake of Sita. I fought, a terrible war for her. I killed countless Rakshasa warriors for the sake of Sita ! Now, a dreadful calamity has befallen her. I know very well that Sita is innocent; and that she is absolutely pure and chaste. She is sublime. Of course, Ravan was lusty and sensual; but that does not make Sita guilty. Her character is absolutely pure and spotless. But what can I do now ? Ah! Into what a terrible conflict have I fallen !”
Just then, the spies came in. They were filled with fear when they saw Shri Ram surrounded by Sugriv, Vibhishan and Lakshman. They bowed to Shri Ram and said : “My lord ! In every nook and corner of the city of Ayodhya people have been saying the samething; “Sita is not really pure. She is no more chaste. She was living in Lanka for a long time and Ravan who was a sensual and passionate person would not have allowed her
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