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JAIN RAMAYAN
pur, all experienced a great joy and jubilation. Their joy knew no bounds. King Kanakarath felt greatly elated to see Shri Ram, Lakshman, and others who accompanied them. He extendto them a hearty welcome. Even the attendants and companions of the two princesses were delighted to see them. They were overwhelmed with joyful emotions. They kept staring at them with admiration forgetting themselves. When they came to themselves, they approached Mandakini and said, "Dear Princess! The princes of Ayodhya have arrived".
"Many Kings and princes have arrived".
"But the princes of Ayodhya excel all the others in valour and in appearance. They are radiant young men of outstanding abilities". The attendants described the appearance and qualities of the princes of Ayodhya.
"Now only one day remains. You yourselves will see them in the Swayamvar hall. They are renowned for their valour, and heroism and they belong to the great Ikshwaku dynasty. Now, there is one more important point to be mentioned."
"What is it?"
"Natural attraction. There should be a natural attraction between the bride and the bridegroom. There should arise love in their hearts for each other. Otherwise, their marriage will be meaningless and their married life will be fruitless".
"How can we know whether there is such mutual love between the bride and the bridegroom ?" The attendants probably got this opportunity to know this truth.
"They should experience a sweet thrill at the very first sight. At the very first sight, they should experience a sweet delight which shoots like a flash of lightning to the brims of their being. They should be overwhelmed with joy and elation" Mandakini whispered into the ears of an attendant and she bowed her head in shyness. The attendant could not contain herself. She went away from there. Mandakini and Chandramukhi were lost in sweet dreams relating to the princes of
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