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Lakshman's Death
445
Lay and Kush who had gone to distant lands returned to Ayodhya. They came running into Lakshman's palace and stood stupefied when they saw Lakshman's body. They stood petrified like stone-images. The entire palace reverberated with the lamentations of the royal family and of the others. Shri Ram, Kausalya, Sumitra and Suprabha lamented loudly over Lakshman's death.
Lay and Kush watched Lakshman's dead body for a few moments and then began to weep bitterly. Holding on to Lakshman's body, they said; “Oh Revered uncle ! You have made us helpless. Where are you ? Could you not remain alive until we returned to Ayodhya ? Who will give us inspiration and protection in the future in our difficulties? Without you life is meaningless for us”.
The whole city of Ayodhya was plunged in grief. Lamentations were heard in every nook and corner of the city. It was as though the whole city was plunged in an ocean of grief. The entire universe seemed to be grieving over Lakshman's death.
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