Guarded by mighty Vanaras, Lakshmana walked into the kingdom of Kishkinda where mansions were encrusted with gems, gardens were lush and temple bells pealed. The citizens, who were the children of the gods and Gandharvs were beautiful, bejeweled and lavishly robed. Thoroughfares were spotless, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and the aroma of brewing liquors. Homes were captivating, granaries were full and wealth overflowed in that city where charming women lent their dazzle to enhance an ambience of splendor. As Lakshmana reached Sugriva's palace, he saw standing close to it the magnificent homes of great Vanara stalwarts like Angada, Mainda, Nila and many others. Even as Lakshman stood on the golden threshold of the palace hesitating to intrude into its privacy that very moment Sugriva felt the presence of his visitor with a start! Alarmed and afraid of facing him, Sugriva wanted Tara to mediate, as he believed that noble men would never harm women! Freeing herself from Sugriva's embrace Tara came out. Lakshmana did not seem to notice her disarray as he stood with his head bent and anger subdued. When Tara quietly asked, what made him so angry, Lakshmana said, "Neglecting his duties and ignoring us who are shrouded in misery, Sugriva spends all his time in the pursuit of pleasures. Immersed in these luxuries he has lost sight of his duties, his goals and his dharma" Protesting with all due respect, Tara gently said, "Lakshmana! It does not befit a noble prince like you to berate a friend. How can you who are so disciplined yield to a paltry passion, like anger? It is true that Sugriva after years of hardship and deprivation indulges in pleasures in excess perhaps. I want you to please forgive him, for his intentions are honorable, though he has erred! "Even great men whose powers of penance defy description and who are steeped in dharma have fallen for such passions! Why blame a fickle minded Vanara? Inspite of his indulgence Sugriva has not forgotten Rama. His indomitable armies of Vanaras from across the world have been ordered to gather here and many have already arrived. Calm down Lakshmana and come in. you may demur to enter the ladies chambers, but it is not indecorous to behold wives of friends". When Lakshmana went in, there on a magnificent throne of gold sat the lord of Vanaras, whose golden hue rivaled the sheen of his throne. He sat on it in great splendor like Indra in the land of the gods surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women. His robes and jewels were magnificent, his garlands exquisite and his radiance stunning! Beholding him who was the cause of Rama's grief Lakshmana was overcome by a boundless rage. His fury made him look like the very god of death. Sitting on the throne with his queen Ruma, Sugriva saw Lakshmana.
Summary
Guarded by mighty Vanaras, Lakshmana walked into the kingdom of Kishkinda where mansions were encrusted with gems, gardens were lush and temple bells pealed. The citizens, who were the children of the gods and Gandharvs were beautiful, bejeweled and lavishly robed. Thoroughfares were spotless, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and the aroma of brewing liquors. Homes were captivating, granaries were full and wealth overflowed in that city where charming women lent their dazzle to enhance an ambience of splendor. As Lakshmana reached Sugriva's palace, he saw standing close to it the magnificent homes of great Vanara stalwarts like Angada, Mainda, Nila and many others. Even as Lakshman stood on the golden threshold of the palace hesitating to intrude into its privacy that very moment Sugriva felt the presence of his visitor with a start! Alarmed and afraid of facing him, Sugriva wanted Tara to mediate, as he believed that noble men would never harm women! Freeing herself from Sugriva's embrace Tara came out. Lakshmana did not seem to notice her disarray as he stood with his head bent and anger subdued. When Tara quietly asked, what made him so angry, Lakshmana said, "Neglecting his duties and ignoring us who are shrouded in misery, Sugriva spends all his time in the pursuit of pleasures. Immersed in these luxuries he has lost sight of his duties, his goals and his dharma" Protesting with all due respect, Tara gently said, "Lakshmana! It does not befit a noble prince like you to berate a friend. How can you who are so disciplined yield to a paltry passion, like anger? It is true that Sugriva after years of hardship and deprivation indulges in pleasures in excess perhaps. I want you to please forgive him, for his intentions are honorable, though he has erred! "Even great men whose powers of penance defy description and who are steeped in dharma have fallen for such passions! Why blame a fickle minded Vanara? Inspite of his indulgence Sugriva has not forgotten Rama. His indomitable armies of Vanaras from across the world have been ordered to gather here and many have already arrived. Calm down Lakshmana and come in. you may demur to enter the ladies chambers, but it is not indecorous to behold wives of friends". When Lakshmana went in, there on a magnificent throne of gold sat the lord of Vanaras, whose golden hue rivaled the sheen of his throne. He sat on it in great splendor like Indra in the land of the gods surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women. His robes and jewels were magnificent, his garlands exquisite and his radiance stunning! Beholding him who was the cause of Rama's grief Lakshmana was overcome by a boundless rage. His fury made him look like the very god of death. Sitting on the throne with his queen Ruma, Sugriva saw Lakshmana.