________________
458
JAIN RAMAYAN
Only then can they find peace of mind. Vibhishan, Sugriv and the other heroes sat helpless while Shri Ram kept walking from one palace to the other carrying Lakshman's dead body.
The insanity of excessive attachment ! How deep; how pitiable and how heart-rending it is!
There appeared no sign of Shri Ram's recovering from insanity. He took Lakshman's dead body into the bathroom and give it a bath. After that, he smeared to the dead body various kinds of perfumes. He ordered his men to bring delicious food and to place it near Lakshman's body and like a mother feeding her child, he tried to feed Lakshman.
Sometimes, he took Lakshman's body into his lap and kissed his forehead with overflowing affection. Sometimes, he placed Lakshman's body on the bed and covered him with excellent blankets. Sometimes, he kept talking to Lakshman's dead body. He put questions to Lakshman and he himself answered them and sometimes, he stroked Lakshman's body with affection.
Vibhishan, Sugriv and Shatrughna saw this insane behaviour of Shri Ram and were filled with deep grief. Sometimes, the tears streamed from their eyes and sometimes, even in their grief, they experienced a kind of delight when they saw Shri Ram's excessive affection for Lakshman and sometimes they were deeply agitated by the sight. No king could think of leaving Ayodhya since Shri Ram was in such a state of anguish. Vibhishan remained in Ayodhya. Sugriy also settled down in
odhya. Shatrughna gave up his idea of returning to Mathura and was engaged in rendering service day and night, to Shri Ram. Hanuman was spending his time in spiritual austerities. Bhamandal had died. Lav and Kush had been travelling on foot as mendicants.
Time was passing. Month after month passed.
About six months passed thus but no change appeared in Shri Ram's condition. He was continuing to behave in the same insane manner. The news of his insane behaviour spread
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
