Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Sumantra
Rama, or Lakshmana in evidence. They were thrust into deep
agony. They aroused the sleeping. They sought to trace the wheel
marks on the ground. They ran wildly in all directions, seeking to
spot the vehicle.
Many consoled themselves, saying that Rama would certainly
return to the Palace, for he had seen their plight and his heart was
full of compassion towards the broken-hearted. Rama would
return before the lapse of two or three days, they said. The
women entered on various vows and types of worship in order to
propitiate the gods to persuade Rama to return to his subjects.
People lived thereafter like Chakravaka birds which have no
lotuses to live on, since the Sun is absent and lotuses would not
bloom without its warmth 152 .
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reach the river Ganga
While the people were suffering thus, Sita, Rama and
Lakshmana reached the outskirts of the town of Stringivera, with
Minister Sumantra. Rama noticed the river Ganga, and
immediately directed Sumantra to stop the Chariot. He alighted
and prostrated on the bare ground before the Stream of Holiness.
Sita and Lakshmana as well as Sumantra got down and did
likewise. (RKRV Part I p339-340)
152
Under Section, Rama, See Chapter, Two Boons - Abduction Of Sita And
Search For Sita - The Agony of the citizens of Ayodhya:
391