Ayodhya Kaanda
83 - Dialogue between king Dasaratha and Sumantra, Dasaratha's passing away
Chaupais
Description
The king pressed Sumantra to his bosom as if a drowning man had laid hold of some support. Seating him affectionately by his side and with his eyes full of tears the king asked him: "Apprize me of Rama's welfare, O loving friend; where are Rama (the Lord of Raghus), Laksmana and Videha's daughter (Sita)? Have you brought them back or have they left for the woods?" At these words tears rushed to the minister's eyes. Overwhelmed with grief the king asked again, "Tell me the news about Sita, Rama and Laksmana." Recalling again and again Sri Rama's beauty, virtues, amiability and temperament the king sorrowed within himself: "Proclaiming my intention to instal him as Regent I exiled him to the woods; but the news neither delighted his soul nor grieved it. But my life did not depart even though I had to part from such a son! Who can be such a great sinner as I?