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THE ABANDONMENT OF SĪTĀ
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fortune you are beheld, son, and now you are born again, since you have come here victorious after making a trip to foreign countries. Rāma and Sītā have survived the various misfortunes arising from living in the forest because of your devotion.”
Lakşmaņa said: "Cherished by my elder brother like a father and by Queen Sītā like you, I lived comfortably in the forest. Enmities to me and the elder brother were caused by persons ill-disposed of their own accord, the root of which was the kidnaping of Sītā. What else is to be said, queen? However, having crossed the 'ocean of hostility by your prayers, mother, the elder brother has come here safely with his retinue."
Then Bharata held a festival in Ayodhyā joyfully, observing the rank of a mere footman before Rāma.
One day Bharata bowed to Rāmabhadra and said: “Sir, for so long a time at your command I have borne the kingdom. I would have become a mendicant with the father at that time, lord, if your command to direct the kingdom had not been an obstacle. Permit me to take vows and you yourself take the kingdom. Now that you have come, I can not endure to remain longer, disgusted with existence."
Rāma, weeping, said: “Why do you talk so, dear boy? Do you alone exercise sovereignty here. We have come eager for you. Abandoning us with the realm, will you cause the pain of separation from you again, dear boy? Remain: Follow my command as before.” When he (Bharata), knowing Rāma's insistence in this way, had bowed and departed, he (Rāma) stood up and was supported by Saumitri with his hand. Knowing that Bharata was going in this way, determined on taking the vows, Sītā, Višalyā, and others went there in haste. Eager to make Bharata forget his persistence in taking the vows, they made repeated requests for water-sports. Because of their persistence Bharata, though disgusted with existence, went to the sport-pool with his retinue and
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