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298
JAIN RAMAYAN
Moreover, what is the use of calling upon Shri Ram for help? Please give up for ever the hope of returning to Shri Ram who has given this stern command. That will be good for you."
“Then, has Shri Ram abandoned me for ever ?”
“Yes mother! Shri Ram has abandoned you once for all; otherwise, why should he command me to leave you in this wild forest ?”
And the commander began to lament loudly. He could not bear to see the heart-rending sight of Sita's anguish and agony. Clouds of a mysterious kind of seriousness covered Sita's face. She thought about the situation for a while, and then in a serene voice, she said.
"Noble man! My lord might have abandoned me. It is a matter relating to his position as king. But you must remember that he is the lord of my life. He is the life of my life. My love and devotion for him cannot be shaken by anything. But please convey this message of mine to him.
"If you fear the censure of the world; if you think that on account of me the splendour of your dynasty will be stained then why did you not subject me to the fire-ordeal? You could have tested my integrity thus and you could have established that I am pure and chaste. The fire-ordeal would have established my chastity beyond all doubts and suspicions but I am unfortunate. You did not think of any such method and without giving me a chance to prove my innocence you have suddenly abandoned me. Well! It does not matter. All this is the result of my own sinful Karmas. This is the work of my inauspicious Karmas. I will live in this dreadful forest alone. My fortune has fallen to pieces. I am an unfortunate wretch but what you have done must be right. You have taken this step, I am sure, after much thinking. Your action is becoming of you. You are the greatest of men. The whole world knows that you are the embodiment of supreme wisdom. I too believe that your wisdom is unexampled in this world. Yet, it seems certain that the step you have taken is not wise or thoughtful. You, out of your concern for the honour of the Ikshvaku dynasty, have abandoned
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