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In the Forest of Simhaninad
297
Kritantavadan shuddered with fear when he saw Sita lying on the ground unconscious. He feared that Sita might die. So, he screamed in a heart-rending manner. He began to lament aloud: "Oh! What a wretch I am! What a sinner I am! I have had to carry out this painful duty. How very unfortunate I am ! Oh ! I have been responsible for the death of the revered Queen.” Shocked and grieved, he collapsed on the ground. The whole atmosphere was pervaded with grief. Even the birds and animals in the forest were mute and stupefied. Trees, plants and creepers drooped in anguish. It was as though, the whole forest ras lamenting. Even birds began twittering in the skies. The greatest woman of Bharat... The queen-consort of Shri Ram... the imperial jointress in the magnificent kingdom of Ayodhya... Sita now lay unconscious on the ground. The commander who had killed thousands of soldiers in war was now helpless and grieving in a heart-rending manner. Is there anyone who would love the samsar when such are its ways ? Is there any unfortunate person who would entertain the desire of enjoying worldly delights ? Ah ! This is the dreadful way of the samsar. This is its futility. We cannot say when evil Karmas engulf and overwhelm us.
But the air in the forest could not bear with the sight of Sita's misfortune. Even the air of the forest was moved to pity by the heart-rending lamentations of Kritantavadan. So, cool breezes blew over Sita with abounding compassion. The birds of the forest brought water on their wings; and sprinkled it on her face. Every object in the forest was filled with grief; and did its best to help Sita to recover her consciousness. Hence, a short while later, Sita recovered her consciousness. She looked around with grief-stricken eyes; cried out, "Oh Shri Ram" and again swooned; but Kritantavadan was happy to see that Sita was alive. After a long time again, she recovered her consciousness. Looking at Kritantavadan with fixed eyes; she said in a broken voice.
- "How far is Ayodhya from here.? Where is my dear lord Shri Ram ?"
"Revered queen! What is the use of your knowing whether Ayodhya is near or far ? That is not a solution to the problem.
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