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The Abandonment of Sita
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to remain pure. My lord ! People have been saying many such things."
Lakshman became indignant on hearing what the spies said. His anger flamed to the highest skies. He said in a thundering voice: “Who says that Sita's character is stained ? She is as sublime as the Ganga and as splendid as the Himalayas. She is a great woman. Some people have set afloat such malicious rumours with some selfish motives. Their purpose seems to be to stain the noble character of Sita. Let those people speak ill of Sita to their hearts' content. But let those scandal-mongers also remember that Lakshman is still alive and that he will surely destroy them. While he is alive no one can do any harm to our goddess Sita. Let them remember that Lakshman will not tolerate a single ill-natured word said against Sita.” Lakshman's indignant fulminations filled everyone with mortal dread. His voice reverberated in the chamber.
Then Shri Ram said advising him to calm down : “Dear brother! The City-heads met me and informed me of the rumours against Sita. Then I went out in the night in disguise to find out personally what people were saying. I too found people saying the same thing. Then I sent our spies to find out further details about the rumours. In consequence, our spies now have communicated to us what they have been able to gather. They are not at fault and the people are not to blame."
"Well! But you should not care for these rumours."
“We cannot ignore these rumours. If we do not take cognisance of the rumours, a great calamity will occur. I received back Sita who had been in Lanka. This is the cause for all these rumours. Now, I have decided to abandon Sita. People will blame you if you come in my way. Rumours and scandals are like a river. People can give them any twist or turn." Even then Lakshman was not convinced of Shri Ram's point. He could not approve of Shri Ram's opinion. He was greatly agitated by Shri Ram's decision to abandon Sita. He said in a grief-stricken tone : "Dear lord! Please do not abandon Sita misled by malicious rumours. Just as we cannot stop a torrential downpour
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