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Sarg 57-Sumantra Returns to Ayodhyaa

Raajaa Guh got very sad for Raam. He talked at length with Sumantra about Him Then Guh went to his home. Guh knew everything about Raam - His going to Bharadwaaj's Aashram and Chitrakoot - through his emissaries. Sumantra also started for his home. He arrived in Ayodhyaa third day in the evening. He saw Ayodhyaa joyless, worried, distresses, deserted. Seeing Ayodhyaa like this Sumantra got very distressed. As he entered the city, many men and women came to ask him about Raam. He said - "I left Raam on the bank of Gangaa River and I have come here." All people wept bitterly not to see Raam in the chariot.

While going on royal highways Sumantra covered his face with a cloth and went to Dasharath's palace. He crossed seven portions of the palace which were filled with people, on foot . When the people in the palace heard that Sumantra has come alone, they started weeping. 

Sumantra thought, "When Kaushalyaa will ask about them what will he reply to her? How she will live without Raam?" Thinking thus he crossed the eighth portion also to reach Dasharath. He found him very sad, grief-stricken, exhausted, and miserable without Raam. Sumantra approached Dasharath, greeted him and delivered the message of Raam. Dasharath heard Sumantra and fell unconscious on the ground. Kaushalyaa and Sumitraa lifted him up. Kaushalyaa said - "Raajan, Why on't you say something to Raam's messenger who has done a difficult job. Whatever evil act you did, you did to keep the truth, so don't feel embarrassed. Weeping will not help you much.  Why are you asking about dear Raam? Kaikeyee is not here so you may talk to Sumantra freely."

Sarg 58-Sumantra Delivers Raam's Message 

When Raajaa gained consciousness, then he called Sumantra and asked about Raam - "Where is Raam? They must have taken refuge at the root of a tree? They must be living on Kand, roots and fruits? They are brought up in such luxuries, how they will be living like that? Haw can Raam sleep on floor like an orphan? When Raam was here He was surrounded by all kinds of army etc, how He will be living all alone in forest?"

Sumantra replied to Raajaa - "He, keeping prescribed course of conduct, bowing His head said - "Hey Sumantra, Greet my father who is very pious, for me and tell him about my safety. Greet all queens for me equally and  tell all of them all about me. Tell Maa Kaushalyaa that following Dharm, Agnihotra and serving Devtaa like father is your prime duty. Treat all mothers alike and try to change the mind of Kaikeyee. Respect Bharat as a Raajaa. He has said for Bharat - "Respect the king as he is still the king. He is old but do not depose him. Serve all mothers. Obey his orders and live like a prince." Then He said to me weeping - "take care of my mother as if she is your mother."

But Lakshman was very angry. He said - "What was the fault of Raam for which you have exiled Him? He took the refuge of Kaikeyee to send Raam to exile. Even if this was done for the great pleasur of Raajaa, still I can't see any justification for abandoning Raam. Raam's exile, illegal decision undertaken as wrong judgment will raise many protests. I do not consider Raajaa as my father, Raam is everything to me."

Seetaa didn't speak anything, She just wept. Raam stood joining His palms along with Lakshman and weeping Seetaa. Hearing that I was going back to Ayodhyaa, She silently looked at the chariot and me.

Sarg 59-Sumantra Describes More 

When I returned for Ayodhyaa, horses also started weeping. I stayed with Guh for three days in the expectation that Raam would call me. Hey Raajan, Even forest was quiet without Raam. Ponds and their lotus flowers got dry, trees did not bear fruits. Gardens were empty because they were not charming as before. When I entered Ayodhyaa, nobody welcomed me, nobody greeted me because my chariot was empty - without Raam. All people animals, birds of Ayodhyaa are grieved without Raam. Friend, non-friends all are sad. 

Hearing this Raajaa also got sad and said - "Sumantra, I did this because of Kaikeyee. I didn't consult even my ministers and interpreters of sacred texts, that is why all this trouble to our family. If you love me even a bit then take me to Him, or if my orders are still accepted, then bring Raam here, I cannot live without Raam at all. If I will see Raam with Seetaa, I may live, but if I cannot, I will surely die. I want to see Raam and Lakshman but I cannot see them, what a pity?"

He cried a lot and got unconscious. Kaushalyaa became worried  seeing him in this condition.

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