VIRAADHA'S END

That night they stayed in the sage's aashrama as his guests, The following morning, the three got up and bathed in the cool water fragrant with flowers, lit the sacrificial fire, performed their worship and touched the feet of the sage.

"By your grace, we spent a good night. We desire to see the other rishis in the region and receive their blessings. It is good to set out before the sun grows hot. Pray, give us leave to go."

The sage embraced the princes and blessed them, saying: "Visit the good rishis in the Dandaka forest. They have all gone through great austerities and obtained divine powers. The forest is indeed beautiful with deer and birds and lotus-filled tanks, and the hills with cascades and peacocks. Lakshmana, go now with your brother and with Seeta. Come to this aashrama whenever you feel like it."

The three walked round the sage according to custom and took leave of him. Seeta handed to them their swords, bows and quivers and the princes set out, more radiant than before because of the great sage's blessings.

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