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296
JAIN RAMAYAN
thing from me and I wonder why you are weeping like a helpless child." Sita's anxiety increased every moment. Fearing some unexpected calamity, she kept looking at the commander with fixed eyes.
"Fearing ignominy and disgrace, Shri Ram has abandoned you, revered queen!" He said this sobbing. He covered his face with his hands.
Sita was greatly stunned to hear this. With great difficulty. she said, "What kind of ignominy? What is the disgrace that my lord has to face? I am unable to understand anything."
"Revered Queen! Throughout Ayodhya people have been spreading scandals and rumours saying. "Sita is no more pure. Ravan would not have allowed her to remain pure. She is a fallen woman and Shri Ramachandra has broken the lofty traditions of the royal family by receiving Sita." When the spies brought this news to Shri Ram, he decided to abandon you. Lakshman, of course, opposed his decision. He tried his best to dissuade Shri Ram from carrying out his decision but Shri Ram remained firm. He did not budge an inch. In consequence, Lakshman returned to his palace grief-stricken. At that time, all were present in the court. Even Sugriv and Vibhishan were there but no one would change Shri Ram's decision. They sat mute and helpless. Then, Shri Ram commanded this sinner...this wretched, mean mortal to leave you in a wild forest. I am a poor servant of the king. I had to carry out the king's command. So, I have brought you here. The voice of duty compelled me to commit this enormity. Revered Queen! This is a dreadful forest where wild and ferocious beasts keep wandering fearlessly. You are thrown into the jaws of death. Only your purity must protect you. Only your spotless character can save you from this disaster."
Kritantavadan's admantine heart grew tender and soft like a flower and he began to weep like a child.
Sita swooned and fell off the chariot.
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