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The Great Departure
481
accompanied by her disciples. She is said to be the embodinent of the spirit of total renunciation”.
"Can there be happier news than this? I hope you have made proper arrangements for their stay”.
“Yes, my lord. All arrangements have been made”.
"How full of the spirit of renunciation, were people in those days! When countless Kings and Queens were ready to renounce their worldly splendour and delights and were intent upon, spending their lives in spiritual austerities. Naturally, the people of the time were also full of the spirit of self-sacrifice. How splendid were those times !
Shri Ram, Shatrughna, Sugriv, Viradh and thousands of Kings and Queens gave gifts of food, clothing and money to the deserving in a generous manner.
Sixteen thousand Kings !
Thirty seven thousand Queens !
The Deeksha ceremony was arranged on a grand scale. Divine beings showered flowers upon them. To the accompaniment of sweet music, thousands of Kings and Queens set out in a procession. Many people also decided to join them on the path of spiritual elevation. Shri Ram and sixteen thousand Kings received Deeksha from Suvrat Acharya. Thirty seven thousand Queens were initiated into the Sadhudharma by Sadhvi Shrimati. Joy and jubilation filled the atmosphere.
The Deeksha ceremony 'was celebrated with all grandeur and eclat.
Anangdev the King of Ayodhya bade farwell to Muni Rambhadra and the others.
Sadhvi Shrimati also went away with her disciples.
Within the twinkling of an eye, Ayodhya was desolate. The magnificent mansions of Ayodhya were desolate. Enjoyments and entertainments, music and dances, celebrations and jubilations ceased. Is it ever possible to imagine the condition of Ayodhya in the absence of Shri Ram ?
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