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JAIN RAMAYAN
been saying anything against her. When such is the situation, it is highly improper to keep her away thus. It is like throwing dust at the sun. This is not proper for a heroic and sagacious person like you."
"Even gods and goddesses have declared that Sita is a sublime woman," Hanuman said revealing his agitation.
"O you lord of Ayodhya! Now Lav and Kush have come to Ayodhya. Sita used to derive some solace and happiness from the presence of Lav and Kush but now even they are away from her."
Shri Ram's gracious face grew serious. His eyes were fixed on the ground. He kept silently listening to the words of Lakshman, Sugriv and Hanuman and began thinking deeply about the matter. A little later, he turned towards Sugriv and said looking at him with fixed eyes and in a firm voice:
"Dear Sugriv, dear Lakshman, how can we bring Sita to Ayodhya?" And then Shri Ram again became silent. All were observing carefully the feelings and thoughts that appeared in his face. All were breathless with anxiety. Shri Ram said with anxiety, "Sita has not yet been freed from the accusation made by the people of Ayodhya. The stain of her character has not yet been removed. Of course, I know very well that there is no truth in this accusation. It is absolutely untrue but even a false accusation has to be reckoned with in political matters. It assumes a special importance in political affairs and it has to be proved false. I know very well that Sita is absolutely pure and chaste. She is a sublime woman and her character is pure like the pellucid waters of the Ganga. It is sacred and pure yet..."
Shri Ram again fell into deep thought. Lakshman became agitated and impatient. Sugriv, Vibhishan and the other wellwishers of the Ikshvaku dynasty were steeped in deep agitation. Lakshman could not contain himself. He said in an agressive
voice.
"We have not come here to hear these pious platitudes. If you keep repeating that you have to reckon with rumours and
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