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356
JAIN RAMAYAN
Kritantayadan returned to Ayodhya after leaving Sita in the forest and fell down unconscious greatly grieved by what he had done, he at once set off to the forest to bring back Sita. When Lakshman visualised this sequence, his anger again disappeared. He glanced towards Sugriv. He looked at Hanuman for a few moments and then said in a serious voice. .
"Dear Sugriy ! and dear Hanuman! What you have said is true. My wish also is that Sita should be brought back to Ayodhya. Dear Sugriy! You were a witness to it. I opposed Shri Ram's decision to discard Sita but he remained firm. Well ! Even now we can mend matters. Now we shall jointly approach Shri Ram and entreat him to bring back Sita. I am sure that he will not reject our entreaty."
“Dear uncle ! If our father does not agree to it, we shall return to Pundarikpur at once. Kindly inform him of this.” Lav said in a serious voice holding Lakshman's hands.
“Dear child! I will surely inform Shri Ram of your feelings. Undoubtedly this is the duty of sons who adore their mother." Lakshman said consoling Lav.
A little later, Lakshman turned towards Bhamandal and said, “When shall we meet Shri Ram ?" Bhamandal looked at Lakshman for a few moments and then his face which was bright grew bleak.
"Dear Lakshman! We shall meet Shri Ram whenever you deem it proper to meet him but is there any point in meeting him ? Will it bring any fruit ? In the battle-field, while introducing Lay and Kush to Shri Ram, the divine sage Narad said clearly: "Sita is alive and she is absolutely safe in Pundarikapur." Even then Shri Ram did not say, "Sita should be brought from Pundarikpur at once and must be received into Ayodhya along with Lav and Kush." When that is so, I do not see any point in meeting Shri Ram now.” Bhamandal said in great anguish.
Hearing the words of Bhamandal, all became sad and agitated. Bhamandal's words were absolutely true. At the time
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