Ayodhya Kaanda
98 - Hospitality of the foresters towards Bharata and his party; Kaikeyi's remorse
Chaupais
Description
The men and women of the city remained deeply immersed in love; days passed like a moment to them. Sita, assuming as many forms as She had mothers-in-law, waited on each with equal attention. No one but Rama knew the mystery behind it; for all delusive potencies form part of Sita's delusive power. Sita won over the queen-mothers by Her services, gratified by which they instructed and blessed Her . Perceiving the two brothers as well as Sita Straight in their dealings, the wicked queen bitterly repented. Kaikeyi sought help both from Earth and the god of death; but neither Earth afforded her shelter in her womb nor did God grant her death. It is well-known by popular tradition as well as through the Vedas, and the Sages too declare, that those who are hostile to Rama find no resting-place even in hell. The question that stirred every mind now was; "Good heavens, will Rama return to Ayodhya or not ?"