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Bhamandal's Death
427
I will carry out spiritual austerities with deep absorption with an unshakeable firmness of mind. I will destroy my Kashayas. I will endeavour to attain deliverance from my Karmas. Only then will my highest aspirations be fulfilled."
While he was thus absorbed in deep contemplation, a terrible calamity occurred. Suddenly a thunder-stroke hit him and he fell down like a severed tree. A commotion arose in the palace.
Even before any treatment could be given to him he had died.
The guards came running to him but what could they do? The news of his death spread like wild-fire everywhere. The queens came running and lamenting. The ministers also came there at once. Thousands of people gathered to witness the calamitous occurrence. They were all steeped in grief. The news of Bhamandal's death reached Ayodhya at once.
“Bhamandal died ! He died hit by a thunder-stroke !” Shri Ram, Lakshman, Lay and Kush and others who heard this, were stupefied. All sat in the Pushpak Viman and reached Ratanupur. They experienced great anguish at the sight of Bhamandal's dead body. All the Kings of Vaithadhya also were present at that time. Vibhishan, Hanuman and Sugriy also were present.
One radiant light of the time was thus extinguished. Bhamandal's funeral ceremony was carried out with royal honours. After his death, Bhamandal took birth as a Yugalik (twins -- one male and female) at a place called Devakuru.
Devakuru is an extraordinary place. It is absolutely free from attachments and hatred, passions and sorrows; excitements and elation.
Generally yugaliks after their death take birth in the heavenly world.
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