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Bhamandal's Death
to him. It appeared in the form of a question; "Sita has adopted the path of Charitradharma. It was natural that she should develop a spirit of detachment with respect to Shri Ram but how could she discard her attachment and affection for her sons? She loved her sons so much that she could not bear with even a moment's separation from them. How could she forget her sons ?"
"Uncle ! What are you thinking of ?"
Bhamandal's thoughts were interrupted. He woke from his silent thoughtfulness. He looked at Lav with fixed eyes and said: "Nothing. You get ready for the journey. We will surely set off in search of Sita."
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"But where are we to go? We do not know where she is staying. We do not know her whereabouts".
"It does not matter. We shall search for her. We will surely find her". Lav and Kush began making preparations for the journey. Bhamandal went to Shri Ram. He informed Shri Ram of the matter. Shri Ram ordered the Pushpak Viman to be got ready. He said that Lav and Kush might set off accompanied by the other members of the family. Moreover, Bhamandal found out from the city-heads where Sita was at that time. He learnt that Sita was travelling on foot towards Mithila.
Bhamandal accompanied by Lav and Kush set off towards Mithila. Within a short time, the Pushpak began flying over the beautiful Kingdom of Mithila. They made enquiries and found out the whereabouts of Sita and then they proceeded towards the place where Sita was staying at that time.
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Sita was staying in a beautiful garden with a number of fellow sadhvis. She was carrying out meditation and spiritual studies with absorption. Lav, Kush, Bhamandal and others approached Sita and saluted her. Sita blessed them all. With great humility they sat near her and made polite enquiries. Seeing her withered body and face, Lav said in a voice full of anguish.
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