Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.205

c9.205

Śrī Rāma grew sadder and sadder following the disappearance of Sītā. Ill omens began to appear in Ayodhyā in increasing measure. One day a divine Ṛṣi whom the people of Ayodhyā had not seen till then, came to Rāma’s palace. He told Rāma that he had to impart certain secrets to the latter and after making Rāma vow that no one would enter the room while they were conversing and that if any one did come when they were talking, he should either be killed or forsaken for ever, he began to talk with Rāma in a secluded spot. Rāma posted Lakṣmaṇa at the entrance with the strict injunctions that nobody should come into their presence. Within a short time great munis like Sanaka came and there and told Lakṣmaṇa that they wanted to see Rāma. They were not prepared to wait even for a short time as requested by Lakṣmaṇa, but threatened ruin to the royal family. Lakṣmaṇa then, was prepared to suffer the consequence, and went to Rāma and told him about the arrival of Sanaka and others. Rāma, in keeping with his vow, banished Lakṣmaṇa immediately. But, when Rāma came out and looked for Sanaka and others no one was to be found anywhere there. When he returned to the inner apartment the Ṛṣi also was not to be seen. In fact they were Kāla and his emissaries deputed by Brahmā to recall Rāma as the object of his incarnation was already achieved.