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316
JAIN RAMAYAN
time of Lav's marriage. Lakshman also will not be present." At once Sita's eyes welled up with tears.
"Revered lady! Why do you agitate yourself with these thoughts? What is the use of thinking of those things? Of course, it is natural that you should desire that Shri Ram should be present at the time of his son's marriage but at present, it is futile to think of it. In future, surely the sons will become reunited with their father. No power on this earth can prevent it. Therefore, let Lav's marriage take place now.
Just at this point, a guard came in and conveyed to Siddhartha the king's invitation to meet him. Siddhartha at once set out to meet the king. Sita stood up and saluted him. Lav accompanied him upto the gate of the king's palace to see him off. On the way, Siddhartha looked at Lav with his eyes overflowing with affection. Lav was greatly delighted and elated.
King Vajrajang received Siddhartha with due honour. He discussed with him the plans relating to the marriage and fixed a date for the marriage.
The marriage took place with all grandeur and eclat. Lav married Shashichoola and the other thirty-two princesses. The daughters-in-law saluted the feet of Sita. Sita who had led a life of loneliness and depression for some years was now filled with joy and jubilation. For a while, she forgot all her sorrows. She was happy....her joy knew no bounds.
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