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Shri Ram's Lamentation
305
herself or that a person can be thus punished without proper enquiry? You are the very embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. You are the greatest of men and you have thus acted thoughtlessly and if you yourself do such a thing, what wonder is there if others punish innocent ones? But of course I do not blame you for this. Whatever has happened, has happened because of my misfortune. You are absolutely blameless. Yet dear lord ! Kindly do not abandon the Dharma listening to the words of disbelievers just as you have abandoned me listening to the rumours spread by some malicious persons.”
After giving this message to be conveyed to you the noble queen fell down unconscious. She regained her consci when cool breezes blew over her; and then again, she began weeping bitterly. In the midst of her sobs, she said, “How can my Lord live without me? How can he bear with this separation from me ?"
Even before Kritantavadan could complete his narration, Shri Ram fell down unconscious like an uprooted tree. A loud commotion arose in the palace. The attendants and guards were stunned and stupefied. Hearing that Shri Ram had swooned, Lakshman came in running. He at once sprinkled cool water on Shri Ram's face; and smeared cool sandal-paste to his body. Sometime later, Shri Ram recovered his consciousness. He began to weep bitterly. He said in a voice choked with emotion.
“Where is the noble woman, Sita ? Kritantavadan! Where did you leave her ? Ah ! I am indeed a sinner. Heeding rumours and scandals, I abandoned that angel of chastity and purity. I discarded her for ever though she was absolutely innocent. Indeed, I did a terrible injustice to her. I acted thoughtlessly and rashly in abandoning her. Alas! Sita has to face countless perils and calamities in that wild forest.” He placed his head in Lakshman's lap; and like a helpless child, he began weeping bitterly.
"Revered brother! I am sure that Sita is safe by virtue of her purity and chastity. Even now, it is not too late to mend matters. Kindly proceed to the forest at once, and bring her
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