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354
JAIN RAMAYAN
throne which had been studded with precious stones. Sugriv. Vibhishan, Bhamandal and the others sat on thrones nearby, After a brief silence, Lakshman thanked the guests; and said:
“Dear friends! You have done me proud by responding graciously to my invitation. Today, I arranged the banquet to celebrate the event of the arrival of Lav and Kush at Ayodhya. You have greatly honoured us by joining us at the banquet. I cannot forget your kindness.”
There was silence again. Then Sugriv glanced towards Lakshman; and after getting his consent, he slowly rose to his feet. His serious voice began resounding in the chamber.
"May Emperor Lakshman be victorious! Dear Lord! We are of course your friends always. We have been your friends through countless janmas. On account of our amity for you we have come now; and we shall continue to visit you off and on. We feel blessed by seeing the sons of the noble Sita here. We are supremely happy to have seen Lavan and Ankush, the heroic sons of Sita. The very sight of these princes fills us with memories relating to that sublime lady, Sita. Until she returns to Ayodhya, we cannot be really happy. Her absence fills our hearts with anguish.” Sugriv said this wiping the tears in his eyes. At once, his voice was choked with grief. His heart was torn with anguish. His agitated voice resounded again.
“When in the battle-field I saw Bhamandal fighting on the side of the Princes my wonder and distress knew no bounds. When I asked for the reason for his taking sides with the princes, he explained to me why he was fighting on their side. His reply filled me with amazement. Hearing that Sita was staying in the tent of Lavan and Ankush, I at once went and saw her. When I saw that noble lady, I experienced the contrary emotions of joy and grief. My heart was torn with anguish. Even now, I feel stupefied when I visualize that sight. Yes, dear lord! It was a heart-rending sight. At that time, even king Vibhishan was with me. Sita was in great anguish since she had been unjustly abandoned by Shri Ram.
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