________________
Leaving Pundarikpur
361
scandals, we will go away at once. Lav and Kush will go back to Pundarikpur and then you will have to remain here alone separated from them. I hereby declare that I am determined to cut off the heads of those malicious people who have been spreading these scandals and rumours. I cannot put up with this situation. There is a limit to anyone's patience."
"Peace Lakshman! Be peaceful. Do not be emotional. Do not get excited. Refrain from using strong language. Do you. think that I do not love Sita ? Do you think that she has no place in my heart ? O mad fellow ! Sita is the life of my life. I think you do not realise that separated from Sita, I cannot have any peace of mind. I feel deeply depressed and distressed on account of this separation. You cannot realise how much anguish I have been experiencing on account of this separation from my dearest Sita but I wish to bring back Sita to Ayodhya in such a way that nobody would be able to find fault with her. Therefore, she has to be subjected to an ordeal in the presence of the people of Ayodhya. After she goes through the ordeal, she can enter Ayodhya. Since Sita is absolutely pure and chaste, she need not fear the ordeal.”
"But what kind of test will be devised for her ?” Lakshman said impatiently.
"Well! That will be decided later." "Then shall we bring Sita from Pundarikpur ?"
"Before bringing her to Ayodhya, you must get a vast platform constructed outside the city of Ayodhya. Thousands of people, kings and princes should be able to sit upon it. I will myself supervise the construction of that platform. After it is constructed, Sita must be brought to Ayodhya.”
"So you will subject her to a test in the presence of all." “Yes."
"Very well ! As commanded by you."
"After saluting Shri Ram, Lakshman, Bhamandal, Hanuman, Vibhishan and the others returned to Lakshman's palace.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
