||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -81 – Dhoha

 The description of the City of Vidheha

Lord Rama and Lakshmana followed Maharishi Vishwamithra and arrived at the sacred river Jagathpavani Goddess Ganga. Vishwamithra, the son of Gadhi explained the origin of Devanadhi Ganga on the Earth. He took bath in Ganga with all those saints and Rishis. Thus, Rama and Lakshmana along with a group of saintly men arrived in the Mithila, Kingdom of Vidheha.  They were highly impressed with the magnificence of the Kingdom; there was number of attractive fortress, wells, ponds, rivers, streams, with gem decorated stairs. The pleasure gardens, trees, shrubs filled with flowers of rich fragrances, the honey bees were taking great pleasure in it moving around with buzzing sounds. There were numerous species of attractive birds producing chirping sounds, there were different colors of lotus flowers in the ponds, there was cool braze of rich fragrances spread in the atmosphere. The city was well maintained with many pleasure gardens, mangroves, creeper gardens, and auspicious trees which are the dwelling place of numerous species of birds, filled with alluring flowers of rich fragrances and fruits. The mesmerizing beauty of the city of Mithila was beyond description, beautiful villages, markets, and houses decorated with various decorative, the whole Kingdom of Vidheha were shone like the city constructed by Lord Bhrama. There were wealthiest traders equivalent to Kubera, and traders were taking care of their business, there were attractive junctions, the pathways were sprayed with the fragrant waters, all those houses resembles the abode of auspiciousness, with decorative paints on the wall, looked like Kamadeva portrayed them with his own hands. The people of the Kingdom were pure, unblemished, attractive, sincerely followed righteousness, simple, innocent, highly intelligent, and virtuous as well. The palace of King Janaka was stunningly beautiful, even the deities’ get surprised by its splendor, the fortress wall was massive and attractive, appears as it has covered all the auspiciousness of the three worlds. There were numerous fortresses made of marbles, decorated with gems, with exquisite artwork. The palace where Devi Sita lived was beyond description.

The huge palace gates were decorated with diamonds and carved in strong wood, the palace was filled with the dignitaries, well-wishers, poets, Kings, dancers, etc. There was a huge place for keeping the livestock, shelter homes, and stable, for keeping those elephants, horses, and chariots. There were huge army men for King Janaka, and all those warriors were lived in grand fortresses, there were many ponds and rivers out of the city where the kings from neighboring countries took shelter. Maharishi Vishwamithra found a beautiful Mango tree garden, and advised Rama, Lakshman and the sages accompanied to stay for a while. They all assembled under the shades of that beautiful Mango tree garden. King of Mithila understood the arrival of Maharishi Vishwamithra with all those saints and ascetics, hurried to the garden accompanied by all his ministers, twice-born, army men, and preceptor and relatives to invite Maharishi to his palace.

King Janaka reverentially greeted Maharishi Vishwamithra and all those ascetics, prostrated was blessed by the Rishi. He went to meet twice-born and greeted them with great respect; he repeatedly praised his fortune to receive them as his guests. Maharishi Vishwamithra took the King and offered him a seat and enquired about the welfare of the Kingdom and its people. At that moment, the two handsome Rama and Lakshman returned back after visiting the beautiful garden. The one youth was dark cloud complexioned and another one was fair, they had a charming appearance, pleasing to eyes. All the ascetics and Sages rose from their seats when Raghupathi arrived, Maharishi Vishwamithra took his hand and made him seated next to him. All of them were extremely happy to witness these charming youths, their eyes filled with tears, and transported into a state of ecstasy.  King Dhashratha could not take his eyes off from watching the mesmerizing beauty of Rama, he sat like a statue.