Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Bala Kanda – The initial rites of the wedding of the divine pair Lord Rama and Devi Sita has begun

Chapter – 304– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Bala Kanda– The initial rites of the wedding of the divine pair Lord Rama and Devi Sita has begun

 

The most auspicious hour for the wedding has arrived, it was the moment the cows returned at the time of sunset after grazing a long day in the greens, scattering dust all over with its hooves that were considered as a propitious hour.  A group of twice-born met King Janaka to inform the arrival of the auspicious hour of the wedding rites. Soon, King Janaka approached the family priest Sage Shathanandha, who called out for ministers to bring the procured Mangaladhravya in large quantities for the performance of Vedic rites, as the initial rites began there was the loud noise of conches, drums, and tabors reverberated. A large quantity of Mangaladhravya, such as Kushagrass, turmeric, curd, vermilion, unbroken yellow rice, were brought to the scene. The Suvasinis/ladies who have husbands alive, attired in marvelous clothes, adorned in ornaments, vermilion, turmeric, and flowers on their hairs, gracefully sang songs, the whole atmosphere of the grand wedding hall reverberated with the sounds of Vedic chants. A group of prominent members of the assembly of King Janaka along with the group of twice-born approached the groom’s party in the grand fortress where they have settled on the previous day. The bride’s party was cordially invited the groom’s party to attend the wedding procedures, the bride’s party highly praised King Dhasharatha excelled the glories of Lord India. King Dhasharatha performed the initial rites of the wedding ceremony, at the guidance of family priest Sage Vashishta, along with the large group of twice-born, Sages, Rishis, further they have followed with the sounds of divine musical instruments moved towards the grand wedding hall.

 

Dhenudhuri Bola Bimala Sakala Sumangala Moola | Bipranha Kaheau Bidheha San Jani Saguna Anukoola ||

Uparohithahi Kaheau Naranaha | Ab Bilamba Kara Karanu Kaha || Sathanandha Thab Sachiva Bolaye | Mangala Sakala Saji Sab Lyaye || Sankha Nisana Panava Bahu Baje | Mangala Kalasa Saguna Subha Saje || Subhaga Suasini Gavahi Geetha | Karahi Bedha Dhuni Bipra Puneetha || Lena Chale  Sadhara Yehi Bhanthi | Gaye Jaha Janavasa Barathi || Kosalapathi Kara Dhekhi Samaju | Athi Laghu Laga  Thinhahi Suraraju || Bhayau Samau Ab Dharia Pau | Yaha Suni Para Nisanahi Dhau || Bhayau Samau Ab Dharia Pau | Yaha Suni Para  Nisanahi Dhau || Gurahi Poochi Kari Kula Bidhi Raja | Chale Sanga  Muni Sadhu Samaja ||