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“Rāma, who was constantly shedding tears as He spoke, asked that Bharata be quickly installed as the Prince Regent. He …

The charioteer then recalled the final angry words of Lakṣman. “When Rāma stopped speaking, Lakṣman, hissing like an enraged cobra, …

Sumantra, having summoned up the vehemence with which Lakṣman had spoken, calmed himself down and described his last sight of …

Daśaratha asked Sumantra to describe his return journey and the charioteer replied, “I remained with Guha for three days, hoping …

Sumantra stopped speaking for some time as he struggled to control his feelings. After sipping a little water he continued …

After Sumantra stopped speaking, Daśaratha became pensive, feeling extreme regret. How had he stood by as Rāma had left? Why …

In a piteous voice the king exclaimed, “It was out of infatuation for my wife alone that I exiled Rāma. …

Daśaratha wondered how he could have acted so contrary to his own good sense and wisdom. Surely this great calamity …

Turning to Sumantra, Daśaratha said, “O charioteer, if I have ever done you any good turn, then please quickly take …

Daśaratha had been hoping beyond hope that Sumantra might somehow have returned with his sons. Realizing the finality of Rāma’s …

“O Rāma! O Lakṣman! O Sītā! What could be more painful for me than not seeing You here? You do …

The emperor fell senseless onto a couch. Close to him Kaushalya tossed about on the floor as though possessed by …

Sumantra felt all the more agonized himself as he saw the grief of the king and queen. He tried to …

Kaushalya, not appeased by Sumantra’s kind words, turned toward Daśaratha, admonishing him out of grief and love. “My lord, you …

Kaushalya became increasingly angry as she spoke. Her eyes reddened, and black streaks of collyrium ran down her cheeks. She …

“You have utterly divested Rāma of his right to be king,” she cried. “Even after returning to Ayodhya, Rāma will …

Kaushalya’s mind was absorbed in thoughts of her son and she raved inconsolably. How could Daśaratha have perpetrated such an …

“Rāma has been ruined by His own father, even as a brood of fish are swallowed by their father. I …

Kaushalya stopped speaking and began to sob uncontrollably. Daśaratha, already deeply remorseful, felt even more anguish upon hearing his wife’s …