Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

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Tales from Indian Mythology
he would give them a chance to wield the bow. An auspicious day was fixed for the purpose, and in the mean time every prince would, in his dreams, see himself crushed under the weight of the mighty bow. But when awake, he would regain his confidence in his victory.
One moonlit night, Sita and Urmila retired into the palace garden and squatted on a lawn covered with mallika flowers. , "Sister, what will happen to me after your marriage ? I cannot live without you," cried Urmila.
"Do not weep, my beloved Urmila. You will get over your present fondness for me when you are married."
"No, sister, I do not want marriage, if it means our separation. Can we not marry brothers so that we may continue to live together under the same roof?”
"It all depends on who strings the Lord Shiva's bow tomorrow. I hope it will not be Ravana, the doughty demon King of Lanka.”
"In sheer physical strength, it is said, he has no equal in the world. Will not the wielding of this bow be child's play to one who has borne the mount Kailas on his back ?”
"What do you think of the two Ayodhya princes—Rama and Lakshmana ?”
"They look so sweet and slender and, beside the giant Ravana, they seem mere children.”
"But figure is not an index of strength, Urmila. If Viswamitra wills, the princes are bound to win the ordeal. The powers of the great sage are unfathomable.”
"Let us pray for their success. For my worry also will be over."