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486
JAIN RAMAYAN
Elated by the joy and jubilation of the people, the chief elephant broke loose and began dancing, putting up its ears and trunk. It began to trumpet aloud. The whole city was filled with joy and elation.
But Shri Ramabhadra did not like such honour or such delicious dishes. He went away from those who held such food in plates.
He needed only plain food devoid of any delicious taste. Who would give him such food ? Where could he get such food? He went away from every door without receiving any food.
He approached the palace.
King Prathinandi, greatly elated, saluted the feet of Shri Ramabhadra and offered him heartfelt devotion.
All in the palace had already eaten food. The remaining food lay in vessels. The king offered Shri Ramabhadra that food and Shri Ramabhadra was supremely satisfied with that offering and received it. The divine beings in heaven, by means of their Avadhijnan watched this event. Soon after Shri Ram received food, they caused a shower of gold flowers upon him.
The people of the city were greatly delighted to hear about this event. The king and the people entreated him to stay there but he did not agree to stay there. He was not willing to s in a city. So, he could not comply with the request of the people and the King.
He set off towards the forest. A terrible commotion arose in his mind as he proceeded towards the forest. “What a tumult
commotion arose in the city on account of my visit! What a large mass of people gathered to see me !"
In consequence, he made a determination with a firm and pure mind.
"If I get food in the forest I will carry out the completion ceremony, otherwise, I will continue to fast but I will never go to the city".
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