Ayodhya Kaanda
63 - Kaikeyi enters the sulking-chamber
Chaupais
Description
The king was taken aback when he heard of the sulking-room. His feet refused to advance on account of fear. He under whose powerful arm the lord of celestials dwelt secure and whose goodwill was even sought by all rulers of men was stunned at the news of his wife's anger: look at the mighty power of sexual love. Even those who have endured the blows of a spear, thunderbolt or sword have been overcome with the flowery shafts of Rati's lord (the god of Love). The king timidly approached his beloved queen and was terribly distressed to perceive her condition. She was lying on the floor in old and coarse attire having cast away all the ornaments of her person. Her wretched garb so eminently befitted her, prognosticating as it were her impending widowhood. Drawing close to her the king asked in soft accents, "Why are you angry, my soul's delight?"