A rude shock awaited Rama's faithful flock when they woke up, as he was no longer with them. Swearing in anguish they said, "Cursed be our sleep, betrayed by which we have lost Rama.What answer do we give those in Ayodhya who will surely ask of him?" They agonized over the unanswerable questions they would soon be facing. Giving up their futile search for Rama, they even sought to end their lives by flinging themselves into a fire, rather than live a life deprived of Rama.

Arriving in Ayodhya dazed and confused they looked at it in disbelief. Pride of Kosala and home to their lord where life once throbbed and vibrated was now veiled in a dreadful silence. A pall of gloom hung over the magnificent city which now lay bleak and barren.

SARGA- 48



The citizens of Ayodhya sorrowing for their master spent cheerless days and nights without even trying to seek relief. When they arrived, women receiving them, wept and blamed them saying, "Lakshmana is the only righteous man on earth for he alone has faithfully followed Rama. Why are you here without him? Blessed are the rivers, streams and the lotus filled lakes in which Rama will bathe. Forests will revel in his divine presence bringing forth exotic fruit and flowers regardless of seasons. Mountains will create and display pristine streams which will gurgle and dance down their slopes. Nature in its entire splendor will welcome Rama."

"Who in Ayodhya can live happily, ruled by a wicked woman who has banished Rama and plunging the king in great sorrow?" Woe unto Dasaratha who has fallen victim of a queen's wiles! We are now like cows in the care of a butcher." The women hurled their ultimate threat at their hapless men, telling them to either consume poison or put as many miles as possible between them and Ayodhya.