||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -114 – Dhoha

The arrival of Rama and Devi Sita to the city of Ayodhya

Rama was extremely pleased to listen to the sweet words of King Janaka. He sincerely greeted King Janaka who was equal to his father, preceptor, Kaushika, and Vashishta. King Janaka approached Bharatha, blessed him, and embraced, in this way he greeted Lakshman and Shathrughna as well. Rama repeatedly praised Janaka and returned to their chariots, and preceded their journey to Ayodhya. Janaka approached Kaushika, and prostrated before him and poured words of bliss “Oh! Mahamune, I have firm faith that everything can be achieved with the compassionate grace of you, Lokapalas achieve all those fame and glories with your blessings, I have gained more than that is impossible, and proved that there is nothing impossible to gain with the grace of you. It was all your grace.” King Janaka repeatedly bow the head before Sage Vishwamithra and returned.

The procession of the groom began their journey with the loud sounds of music and instruments, all the people assembled in the journey were extremely joyful. The villager’s attained bliss watching the splendor of Rama, they took a halt in between the journeys, the people of those places achieved the fortune to witness Rama and Devi Sita.  Thus, on an auspicious day, they have arrived in the City of Ayodhya. The palace of Ayodhya was stunningly decorated to receive the brides, the beauty of the palace enticed the heart of Kamadeva, it resembled the abode of auspicious omen, Ridhdhi, Siddhi, happiness, loveliness, welfare, richness, etc. There were beautiful ladies who excelled the beauty of Devi Rathi gathered around to witness the handsome groom and bride, the Sumangalis gathered in groups with Mangaldhravya, earthen lamps, and took Harathi of the couple. They beautifully sang Mangalagana resembled Vagdevi assumed several forms and gathered in the palace.  There was an air of festivities in the palace, which was beyond description. Devi Kausalya, Devi Kaikeyi, Devi Sumithra, and the elderly women in the palace forgot themselves in the bliss. They conducted elaborate worship of Lord Ganesha, offered an abundance of charities to twice-born, were extremely happy like the poor achieved Purusharththa.

The three mothers Devi Kausalya, Devi Kaikeyi and Devi Sumithra were in a state of ecstasy, they were eagerly waiting for the arrival of Rama and others, made huge arrangements to welcome the children. They have organized a grand musical and dance program, Devi Sumithra has taken care of the huge collections of Mangaladhravya like grass, flowers, betel leaves, turmeric, curd, leaves, betel nuts, herbs, unbroken yellow rice, sprouted Barli, Gorochana, puffed rice, Tulsi, and various auspicious things to welcome the newly wedded couple. There was a huge pile of golden vessels, and a heap of Mangala Dhravyas, in this way all these queens were busily engaged in the preparations, they were melodiously singing and arranged numerous beautiful earthen lamps to offer Harathi.

Finally, the moment has arrived, the three queens blissfully moved towards their children with the golden trays of Harathi, the entire atmosphere was looked like misty with the smoke of the incense, deities showered the flowers of the Kalpakavruksha, resembled the Sarasa birds, beautiful gem decorations on the pathways gave out of the appearance of rainbow. Beautiful women keep moving here and there in the balcony resembled the lightning, the sounds of Dhundhubi resembled thunder. The beggars on the street were making the sounds of Chathaka and frogs, light downpour like a shower of fragrances by the deities were promising to the farmers.