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338
JAIN RAMAYAN
Sita and said, “May revered Sita be victorious ! Some radiant and princely personalities have come to see you. One of them said that his name was Bhamandal and that he wanted to meet you."
"My dear brother Bhamandal! Has Bhamandal come ? Sita sank upon her cot unable to believe her ears. Her astonishment knew no bounds. She said to her daughters-in-law, "Bhamandal is my brother. We are children of King Janak." And then she went running to the door to receive them. When she saw Bhamandal, her eyes welled up with tears. Her throat was choked with emotion. Countless events of the past flashed before her like pictures. Bhamandal saluted Sita's feet. His eyes also welled up with tears. He kept looking at Sita with unwinking eyes. A few moments passed thus. Then composing herself a little, she went forward and welcomed Narad. She took them into the palace and offered them seats of state. Within a few moments, the atmosphere became cheerful. After going through the routine of having a bath and taking food, Bhamandal sat near Sita and said :
"Dear Sita! Where are Lay and Kush ? “They went to Ayodhya.” "What for? Who accompanied them ?”
“They have gone to meet their father and their uncle. They have taken with them a vast army.” Sita's voice was shaken with grief.
"I am unable to follow you." Bhamandal said boding some inauspicious event.
"Brother! I think you are not aware of the heroism of your nephews. You do not know fully how valiant they are. That is why you speak thus. Otherwise... Well they are angry with their father. They want to take revenge against their father. The sons have gone to fight against their father. Of course, King Vajrajang and King Prithu are with them. They will not allow any calamity to occur but you do not know how heroic Shri Ram and Lakshman are. Moreover, they do not know who Lav and Kush are. Therefore, I fear that some calamity may occur."
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