|| Sri Ram Jeyram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -116

THE CONCLUDING PART OF BALA KANDA

King Dhasharatha reverentially prostrated before Sage Vishwamithra and Sage Vashishta and offered his sons and wealth on his feet. Sage Vashishta received the contribution for the performance of rite and gracefully returned the remaining to the King and blessed them abundantly. Sage Vashishta, contemplated upon Lord Rama and Devi Sita and returned to home happily. King and the queen invited the females of the twice-born and offered precious ornaments and clothes. They offered clothes to the Sumangalis, and all those sweets offered to deities were fairly distributed to the people assembled. They reverentially received the guests and offered contributions and gifts. The deities showered flowers upon Lord Rama, they eulogized the endless virtues of Rama, the sounds of divine instruments reverberated in the palace, eventually, the deities returned to their respective abodes.

King Dhasharatha returned to the palace and met his sons and daughters in law, he took the brides on his lap and patted them affectionately, and the females of the palace felt immensely happy, the palace of Ayodhya became the abode of bliss. King Dhasharatha explained the grand wedding of the four children to the females assembled, they were drenched in enormous happiness. He explained the humility, simplicity, generosity, kindness, and compassion and the glories of King Janaka, and he detailed every moment in the palace of Mithila, the queens were soaked in a state of bliss. King Dhasharatha and his children had a bath, invited twice-born, preceptor, and relatives to partake meal.  The meal was served to the guests and later King and the queen consumed the meal, it was almost late in the night.

The females sang melodious songs, and the night went on well. The guests received betel leaves with fragrant ingredients and returned to their homes. The King Dhasharatha and his sons were adorned in flower garlands and smeared in sandalwood paste, looked attractive. The whole atmosphere was drenched in happiness, peace, serenity, amusements, richness, beauty, and bliss cannot be explained by hundreds of Devi Sharada, and thousand hooded Anantha,  or Lord Bhrama, Veda, Shiva or Ganesha. Therefore it is impossible for a poet like me to narrate them; King Dhasharatha called the three queens and advised them affectionately “Oh! Devi, our brides are too young girls, they have arrived in a place completely new to them. Kindly protect them like the eyes protected by eyelids. The four children are feeling sleepy take them to their chamber.” King Dhasharatha meditated upon the feet of Rama and returned to his chamber.

The queens went to prepare bed for their children, the cot were made of gold and gem decorated, soft and supple mattresses of milk-white placed already on it, and there were several pillows and cushions in attractive colors were arranged on it and the wall of the beautiful chamber was decorated with the precious gem and the hanging lamps of crystals, the entire chamber was filled in the fragrances of various fresh alluring flowers, which is beyond description.  In this way, the chambers of the four children were decorated stunningly, Rama advised his brothers to go to their chambers and sleep. Mother’s affectionately looked at the charming limb of Rama and asked “Oh! Dear child, how did you kill the demon Thadaka in the wood? How did you kill the valorous demons that are merciless and wicked, dreadful Mareecha and Subhahu, and all his companions? Oh! Child, you have protected by the grace of Sage Vishwamithra, you must have attained all those knowledge while protecting the Yaga by you and your brother. Devi Ahalya got relieved from the curse at the touch of your feet, your fame spread all over the world. You have broken the Shivadhanuss which is hard as the shell of tortoise, Vajra, and rock. You have proved your eminence to the world and you have won over the heart of Janaki, and performed the marriage of your three brothers as well. Oh! Dear child, all your deeds are divine; it was all with the grace of Sage Kaushika. Oh! Vathsa, your lustrous face provided endless fortune in our lives. The day we have spent in your absence should not be counted in our lives by Lord Bhrama.” Rama satisfied his mothers with sweet and pleasant words and they returned to their chambers.   Rama prayed to Lord Shambhu, preceptors/Vashishta, and Vishwamithra, illustrious Bhramins, and closed his lotus-like eyes.

The lustrous face of Rama and the half-closed eyes have resembled the lotus flower, queens slept with their daughters in law holding them close to their chest. Rama rose early in the hours of dawn, the roosters produced loud noises, Vandhiganas and Magadha sung in praise of the King, twice-born arrived, the four brothers prostrated before twice-born, preceptor, and parents and received their blessings. They followed their father, while mothers were watching at them affectionately. The four children finished their morning ablations, took bath in Sarayu, and performed the sun worship and went to meet their father. King embraced his four sons and seated next to them. The assembly of the King was highly pleased to watch Rama, they considered their eyes to have attained the highest of the fortune in their lives. Sage Vashishta and Sage Vishwamithra arrived in the assembly was received reverentially, and offered respectable seats. King Dhasharatha and his sons prostrated before the preceptors who were extremely happy to watch Rama in the assembly. Sage Vashishta taught Dharma and Ithihas, King and women in the palace listened to them carefully. Sage Vashishta described the splendor of sage Vishwamithra, and it was highly praised by Sage Vamadeva saying that the fame of Sage Vishwamithra is known to the three worlds. Everyone was highly pleased to listen to that, especially Rama and Lakshmana.

There were festivals, celebrations, various amusements, happiness and auspiciousness in the palace of Ayodhya, in this way the waves of happiness flooded in the city of Ayodhya, and several days have passed. There were various customary rites took place on a regular basis, one day the sacred thread tied on the hands of brides and grooms before the weddings were removed, watching the celebrations, deities requested Bhrama to give them a chance to take birth in the Ayodhya. Sage Vishwamithra prepared to leave the palace was postponed by the affectionate requests of Rama. King Dhasharatha’s devotion and respect multiplied hundred times for  Sage Vishwamithra on day by day, finally Sage Vishwamithra requested King Dhasharatha’s permission to leave the palace, King became too emotional, he stood with his four sons and folded hands before him, and spoke “Oh! Mahamune, all that I have owned is yours, and kindly consider me, my children and my wives are your sincere attendants, kindly shower your perpetual grace upon these children, kindly bless me with your visits to the palace.” They prostrated before Sage Vishwamithra who could not utter a word, he blessed them and left the palace. Rama and his brothers followed the Sage Vishwamithra was advised to return to the palace.

The gem of the clan of Gadhi remembered those marvelous features of Rama, devotion, and respect of King Dhasharatha, the wedding ceremonies of Rama and Devi Sita, and all those festivities and happiness in the palace and walked away.  Sage Vashishta and Sage Vamadeva described the endless glories of Sage Vishwamithra in the palace.  King Dhasharatha felt extremely fortunate for the visit of Sage Vishwamithra to his palace. King and his four sons returned to the palace, people of Mithila sung in praise of the marvelous wedding of Rama and Devi Sita, his fame spread in the three worlds. The palace of Ayodhya has become the abode of happiness from the day Rama returned with his wife, the festivities and ceremonies took place in accordance with the wedding were beyond description, even for Devi Sharada and thousand hooded Anantha.

The legends and fame of Rama and Devi Sita is the treasure and storehouse of auspiciousness of the poets. I am purifying my tongue with the legends of Rama and Devi Sita. Sant Tulsidas Maharaj sang in praise of the splendor of Lord Rama and Devi Sita and got himself purified. The legend of Rama is vast like an ocean; none of the poets could cross that unfathomable ocean of bliss. Whoever listens or read to the legend of Upanayana and marriage of Lord Rama and the festivities took place during the celestial wedding of Rama with Devi Sita would attain happiness and welfare with the grace of the supreme Lord. Whoever sings or read in praise of the wedding of Rama and Vaidhehi would remain in supreme bliss, because Rama is the abode of supreme bliss.

Doha – 361 – The concluding couplets of Balakanda of Ramacharitha Manas

 Siya Raghubeer Bibahu Jey Saprem Gavahim Sunahim | Thinh Kahu Sadha Ucchahu Mangalayathan Ram Jasu||

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -115 – Dhoha

A grand welcome to the newly wedded couple in the palace of Ayodhya

Sage Vashishta advised King Dhasharatha about the arrival of the auspicious Lagna to land on the city of Ayodhya, thus King entered with his men in the city contemplating upon Lord Shambhu, Goddess Girija, and Lord Ganesha. They have witnessed various auspicious omens; deities produced Dhundhubi and showered flowers, female deities danced in bliss according to the tune of music. The Magadha – Sutha – Vandhiganas sung in praise of Lord Rama, there were cheers of victory, and Vedic chants reverberated in the ten directions. The sounds of various divine instruments raised, the deities in the sky, and the people on the Earth were in a state of extreme bliss. The people from the procession of the groom were in a state of ecstasy. The people of Ayodhya received the King with great honor, eventually, they have transported to a state of bliss after watching Rama. They have spread gems, and various gifts before him, their eyes soaked in tears of joy, the ladies took Harathi of Rama, and all the people took great pleasure in watching the four handsome youths. They saw four beautiful palanquins, parted the screen, and saw the stunning brides. Thus the procession of the bride and groom arrived at the main door of the palace of Ayodhya, three queens happily took Harthi for sons and their daughter-in-law. It is difficult to describe their happiness; they spread gems, ornaments, magnificent attires, and various precious gifts before the bride and groom.  They constantly watched the beauty of Sita and Rama, felt extremely fortunate, the female attendants of the queens did not take their eyes off from Devi Sita, and praised their fortune. The deities revealed their happiness showering flowers, playing music, and dancing to the tunes. Devi Sharadha after witnessing these four couples searched for comparison, but she could not find it, she stared at them without blinking eyes.

The newly wedded couples were received in the Palace after following Vedic and customary rituals, they offered Harathi, and took the new bride and groom in the carpeted pathways to the palace. The queens offered water/Arghyam for the brides and groom, and offered seats on a marvelous throne resembled as if it was created by Kamadeva, they devotedly washed the feet of the brides and grooms, they were offered Harathi, and fanned with the Chamaras, and offered unbroken yellow rice, those fortunate mothers felt as a Yogi attained Paramarththa, a patient received nectar of immortality, a pauper received Parasmani, a blind gained eyesight, a dumb attained excellence in speech, a valorous warrior won in the battle field. Their happiness multiplied while watching the newly wedded couples, because it is supreme Lord Ramachandra who returned home with brothers and new brides. While mothers were performing various customary rites the brides and grooms were extremely shy, Rama took great pleasure at that moment and smiled in his heart.

The queens worshiped deities and Pithrus, following the prescribed rites, as their sons were returned with their brides, they sincerely prayed the deities for the welfare of their children and daughters-in-law, all the deities showered their blessings. Those mothers received the blessings of the deities on the tip of their attire with humility. King Dhasharatha invited all those people who participated in the procession and distributed gifts, clothes, ornaments, vehicles, gems, etc. They took those marvelous moments spent with Rama in their hearts and returned to their houses, all the people of the villages were received ornaments and clothes as the gift from the King, all those houses were reverberated with divine instruments, King Dhasharatha offered all that desired by the beggars, attendants, and servants of the palace, an abundance of gifts. Those people were sung in praise of the virtues of the clan and King; they showered blessings upon the newly wedded couples. King Dhasharatha with the twice-born and preceptor went to Rajbhavan.

King Dhasharatha followed all the duties and responsibilities of the Kingdom and Vedic rites as instructed by Sage Vashishta, seeing the crowd of twice-born the queens were extremely happy and went to seek blessings from them. They invited the twice-born reverentially, washed their feet, provided ingredients for bathing and fed them with a sumptuous meal, and offered an abundance of contributions. These twice-born felt highly pleased with the devotion of the King and the queens, blessed them heartily, and returned to their homes. They worshiped Sage Vishwamithra and praised his compassion and grace, they took the dust from the feet of the Sage and adorned on their forehead, they highly praised their fortune to worship him.  King offered a marvelous chamber for Sage Vishwamithra, and the King and queens were highly conscious to serve his all needs. Further, they worshiped Sage Vashishta and prostrated before him. The children with their newly wedded brides took blessings from the Sages and the King with his three queens prostrated before the Sages and took blessings.

||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.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -113 – Dhoha

The journey of Rama and Devi Sita from the City of Mithila 

Once, the bride and groom prepared to leave the city of Mithila, the parrots, and Myna that took shelter in the golden cage was taken care by Devi Sita was fluently speaking, looked around waveringly and enquired for her, and cried out bitterly for Devi Sita, none could watch that moment, the animals and birds were felt deeply distressed at the separation from Devi Sita, how did I explain the state of people? King Janaka arrived with younger brother, his eyes were filled in tears of love, even though he is Paramavairagin, lost the courage he has gathered watching Devi Sita leaving the palace. He embraced his loveliest daughter, instantly the wall of Vairagya could not withstand in their love. The ministers, who are highly knowledgeable, advised him to understand the situation, and control his emotions. Immediately he realized that it is not the moment to grieve over the separation from daughter, he embraced her again and again. The whole family got too emotional, on the right Lagna and Muhurtha, Devi Sita was led to the grand palanquin, King Janaka remembered Lord Ganesha and Devi Siddhi, and all the women surrounded helped Devi Sita to get into that grand palanquin. King Janaka advised all the daughters, he taught them Sthreedharma and traditions and customs in the family as well. He ordered all those dearest companions and attendants of Devi Sita to accompany her, the people of Mithila sunk into deep distress watching their dearest princess leaving the city. They have witnessed various auspicious omens, thus King Dhasharatha followed with his men, twice-born and illustrious Rishis and Sages took his daughters to the Kingdom of Ayodhya. The whole city has reverberated with the sounds of divine instruments, there were several chariots, elephants, and horses ready for the guests to return to Ayodhya. King Dhasharatha invited all the twice-born and loaded them with various gifts. He prostrated before them and adorned the dust from their feet on his head. In this way, he received immense blessings of the twice-born; he remembered Lord Ganesha and preceded the journey.

King Dhasharatha witnessed various auspicious omens, the deities showered flowers upon them, the atmosphere reverberated with the sounds of Dhundhubi, and the celestial Apsaras danced to the tune. Dhasharatha advised the people assembled around him requested to return to their places, he called out for the beggars and provided them clothes, ornaments, horses, elephants as the contribution, and affectionately send them off. They repeatedly eulogized the generosity of the King and returned to their places. The two kings were too affectionate to each other, find it difficult to leave each other’s company, King Dhasharatha spoke affectionately “Oh! Rajan kindly returns to your palace, you have already followed us for a long time.” King Dhasharatha got out of the chariot and send off King Janaka, both of their eyes soaked in tears. The king of Vidheha spoke in tears “Oh! Rajan, how did I show my respect to you? Oh! Maharajan, you have given lots of love and respect for me.” They embraced each other and revealed their humility, simplicity, kindness, and love for each other.

King Janaka prostrated before the illustrious Rishis and Sages, he embraced the four sons in law who is the abode of virtues, graciousness, kindness, and love. He spoke with folded hands “ Oh! Rama, how did I eulogize you? You are dwelling as swans in the hearts of illustrious Rishis and Sages; you are sought after by the Yogis who are free from lust, desires, ego, and pride. You are not visible for the eyes, you are eternal, you are supreme bliss, you are beyond virtues, even though you incarnate with all those virtues, you are beyond mind and intellect, you are perceivable for all, you are eulogized by Veda as ‘Nethi Nethi’, you are free from changes, and all-pervasive, Oh! Rama, you are absolute Bhramam. You are the source of happiness and welfare has assumed a form for me, it is the mercy of you that you have respected and accepted me as your sincere servant. Oh! Raghunatha, it is impossible to describe your virtues, I am highly fortunate cannot be described for ten thousand Sharadhas, and thousand hooded Anantha for crores of Kalpa. I shall affirm one thing; you get easily pleased with the slightest devotion, Oh! Rama, I sincerely pray with folded hands, my mind and intellect should not go away from your lotus feet, not even for a second. Kindly, provide intense devotion and faith at your lotus feet.”

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -112 – Dhoha

Rama and Devi Sita's journey to the Kingdom of Ayodhya

King Janaka offered Pan/betel leaves with rich fragrant ingredients and sweets, after a sumptuous meal to King Dhasharatha and his people, and they affectionately engaged in conversation and bade-farewell and returned to his fortress. There was a huge celebration on all these days, and the night and days were gone without anyone’s knowledge. On the next day, King Dhashartha got up early in the morning and finished all the morning rites; the King’s men sung the praise of the King.  King Dhashartha felt happy to meet his sons and their brides, he went to meet preceptor Vashishta. He bowed down before preceptor Vashishta and spoke “ Oh! Muniraj, I am fortunate to achieve your perpetual grace, Oh! Mune, kindly invites the twice-born to offer charity of cows decorated in ornaments,” eventually Sage Vashishta called out for all those saints, Maharishi Narada, Vamadeva, Valmiki, Jabali, Vishwamithra, and various illustrious Rishis and Sages assembled. King Dhasharatha prostrated before them, worshiped them, and offered respectable seats to them. King’s men brought four lakhs of good breed cows, resembled Kamadhenu, was adorned in ornaments; those beautiful cows were offered as the charity to the twice-born and sages. King Dhasharatha spoke in soft words “Oh! Mune, I have attained the highest of the piousness in my life today.” And the King who is Ravikulanandhan received the blessings of the Rishis and Sages assembled. King Dharasharatha called for the beggars, and distributed gold, garments, ornaments, horses, elephants, chariots, etc. they cheered ‘Victory to Lord of Surya dynasty!” and returned.  In this way, the celebration of the celestial wedding of the divine couple prolonged was impossible to describe even for the thousand hooded Adishesha.

King Dhasharatha repeatedly prostrated before Sage Vishwamithra “ Oh! Mune, we have attained all these fortunes, with your grace.” King Dhasharatha highly praised the generosity and the compassion of King Janaka, he had to continue to stay in the Mithila due to the constant affectionate requests of King Janaka, and every day King Dhasharatha approached the King Janaka with a request to return to Ayodya was warmly rejected. They have received an abundance of love and respect in the fortress, every day there was a various celebration in the city of Mithila to entertain the guests, in this way, King Dhasharatha and his family were fastened with the chain of the love of Janaka, remained in the city of Mithila for some time. Kaushika and Shathananda met Vidheharaja and advised to give permission to the guests to return to Ayodhya to resume their duties and responsibilities. Thus, they mutually agreed to proceed to the Kingdom of Ayodhya, all the ministers of the King Janaka, the twice-born in the assembly were gathered, the people of Mithila was disappointed, King Janaka made all the arrangements for their safe return to the city of Ayodhya, he sends people to make sure their places of stay and meals, carts were loaded with dry fruits, sweets, snacks, beddings, etc. available in each point of halt, until the place of destination. There were several people followed them with all these materials, he offered one lack horses adorned in jewels and various ornaments, two thousand and five hundred well decorated chariots, ten thousand elephants adorned in various exquisite ornaments and silk, carts full of gold, garments, ornaments, etc. also sent cows and buffalos, and various things as a gift. In this way, King Janaka bade farewell to King Dhasharatha, the gifts offered were unimaginable for the rulers on the Earth.

The queens were extremely saddened to watch leave the groom’s people, they distressed like the fishes out of the water. The queens took Devi Sita on their lap and advised “Oh! child, you should sincerely serve your husband, you should long live with your husband, it is our blessings to you. You have to serve your husband, his parents, and the elderly people in the palace. You should sincerely follow the wishes of your husband always.” The dearest companions of Devi Sita affectionately described the duty of a household woman to her, the three princesses were repeatedly advised by their mothers and embraced, and they have asked questions to themselves “Why did Bhrama create women on this Earth?”

Rama along with his brothers arrived in the palace of Janaka to bid farewell, the woman folks and men in the city rushed to their feet to watch the loveliness of these four handsome youths. They spoke each other in sad tone “These four handsome sons of King Dhasharatha is leaving the city of Mithila, the King of Vidheha made all the arrangements for their departure. Let everyone watch these divine children of King Dhasharatha and take great pleasure in it. These four princes were our dearest guests, we are extremely fortunate to meet them in our lives, it is like the nectar to a person nearing death, a beggar achieved Kalpavriksha, Jeeva attained Paramdhama of Sri Hari, after the hellish torture in the abode Yama, Oh! Ladies and gentlemen, we are extremely fortunate ones; we had the opportunity to witness these four brothers. Let everyone take extreme pleasure in the loveliness of Rama and install his charm on their own hearts like the serpent keep protects the gem on its forehead. Let your hearts take great pleasure in the marvelous form of Rama with intense devotion and faith.”

Rama with his brothers entered inside the palace to meet the family members and woman folks. They were extremely happy to watch these four brothers, young women spread gifts and took Harathi of these four handsome brothers. They repeatedly prostrated before the feet of Rama, they have forgotten shyness, and the queens felt extremely happy and showered an abundance of love to their sons-in-law. They took Rama and brothers, smeared highly fragrant sandalwood paste and saffron mixture on their bodies and gave bath to them, and offered six kinds of meals and made them happy. Rama did not intervene in their happiness, in an appropriate moment he spoke affectionately “King Dhasharatha is all prepared to leave the city of Mithila, he wanted us to bid farewell to you all, therefore Oh! Mothers, kindly let us make a move with happiness and affection, always consider us as your children.” The ladies in the palace were heart-broken hearing the words of Rama, they could not speak due to grief, became too emotional. They embraced their daughters and gave their hands in their husband.

Devi Sunayana offered the hands of Devi Sita to Rama and with hands folded she spoke “Oh! Vathsa, Oh! Sarvajja, Sita is dear as my life, I am giving you my loveliest daughter who is not only promising to the city of Mithila, she is favorite of the people of Mithila and she is dearest as our lives to me and her father. Therefore kindly treat her with kindness and love, Oh! Rama kindly considers her as your sincere attendant. Oh! Rama, you are flawless and wise, you are the abode of love and compassion, and you always take notice of goodness and virtues of your devotees, Oh! Rama, you are the remover of all the impurities of them and you are the ocean of mercy. ” Devi Sunayana prostrated before Rama, her words were soaked in extreme love, he raised her and with folded hands, bow down the head before them, received their blessings and left the palace of King Janaka with his four brothers. The queens were watching at the loveliness of Rama and his pleasant words, they embraced their daughters, they followed the couples, and embraced their daughters again and again, as everyone was watching the mothers and daughters were showering an abundance of love, like the cow shows affection to its newborn calf, the dearest companions of the princesses were separated, the men and women assembled, attendants of the palace, and women in the palace expressed their love for these princesses, it was a mixture of feeling of kindness and separation.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -111 – Dhoha

The grand celebration after the wedding

Maharishi Vashishta instructed the newly wedded couple to perform worship of the deities of the clan, Rama and Devi Sita exchanged intimate glances, she was too shy but her beautiful and lustrous eyes were thirsty to get the glances of Rama who has the dark cloud complexion and has the beauty  excels crores of Kamadheva, his loveliness attracts the honey bees like the hearts of Sages and Rishis, his feet were decorated in red lac, his marvelous yellow silk garment excelled the brilliance of  lightning, his marvelous waist ornaments decorated with small bells were making jingling noises, he was adorned in yellow sacred thread across the chest, his long hands were adorned in armlets and beautiful Kada and finger rings, he was adorned various precious ornaments all over the body, his broad chest was decorated with exquisite pearls and gem ornaments, he was covered the chest with a magnificent yellow silk upper clothe, his lustrous eyes have the resemblance to lotus flower petals, he was adorned in marvelous ear ornaments, he was the pinnacle of loveliness, his eyebrows and nose were attractive, his forehead was adorned in beautiful yellow sandalwood paste and vermilion, he was adorned in exquisite crown decorated with pearls and gem, mainly for the ceremonial rites, his every limb attracted the people gathered, they split the grass not to get an evil eye on the groom. They presented exquisite gems and ornaments and garments before him, they assembled around the couple, sang beautifully, and took Harathi of the couple.  Devi Gauri taught Devi Sita how to feed the husband for the first time, Devi Sharadha also taught her, the whole palace was in merriment, the people assembled were took great pleasure in various amusements. Devi Sita found the reflection of the marvelous form of Rama in each and every ornament she was adorned, therefore she was not willing to take out her eyes from them, or move the hands. The love and various amusements of the newly wedded couple were beyond description, the female companion of Sita realized her brimming love for Rama. The four newly wedded couple moved to the fortress where Dhasharatha and the people have stayed, the whole atmosphere was echoed with the blessings of the people. The Yogeendhras, Siddhas, Rishis and Sages, and Deities eulogized “Victory to Rama! Victory to Devi Sita” and all of them returned to their respective abodes.

The four newly wedded couple went to meet King Dhasharatha, the fortress was overflowing with auspiciousness and happiness. There was a fabulous meal that was ready for the guests, King Janaka invited all the people of the groom.  King Dhasharatha and his four sons walked on the majestic carpeted pathways, their feet were washed with great respect and offered a well-decorated seat. King Janaka washed the feet of King Dhasharatha, they showered great respect to each other. He washed the feet of Lord Rama who resides in the heart of Shambhu, he washed the feet of Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shathrughna as well, KingJanaka offered them raised seats and ordered the kitchen people to serve them with a sumptuous meal. The meals were served in golden and gem decorated vessels, the efficient cooks served the guests with ghee, rice, and those fabulous ingredients, it was pure, attractive, and delicious as well.

The male guests performed Parisheshana/offering grain to the five sheaths, Prana, Vyana, Apana, Samana, and Udhana, and resumed taking pleasure in the sumptuous meal. There were several ingredients of sweets were served, in various colors and fragrances, were nectar-like was beyond description. The exceptionally skilled cooks kept serving the guests, and those ingredients served were difficult to name it, as it was mentioned in scriptures, the ingredients were served was easier to swallow, chew and swallow, taste with the tongue, and drink, and those were indescribable. The young male and female took pleasure in teasing each other while taking great pleasure in the sumptuous meal, King Dhasharatha and his men laughed at the funniest comments of the young people assembled to have a meal. At the end of the meal, everyone was served with water to wash their hands and mouth.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -110 – Dhoha

The celestial wedding of Rama and Devi Sita, Bharatha and Devi Mandavi, Lakshmana and Urmila, Shathrughna and Shruthikeerthi

King Janaka and Devi Sunayana devotedly washed the feet of the groom and showered all their love on the lotus feet of Rama. The music and sounds of divine instruments reverberated in the entire city, ten directions, and the sky.  Thus, King Janaka washed the feet of the Supreme Lord who is taking immense pleasure in the beautiful pond like the heart of Shambhu, the remembrance of his the name for a single time would remove all the impurities and evil effects of Kali era. The lotus feet of supreme Lord that removed the curse of Devi Ahalya, with its single touch, and the Suranadhi Ganga who descend on the Earth washing the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu was adorned in the matted hair locks of Lord Shiva, considered as the purest among the pure.  The lotus feet of the Supreme Lord that are sought after by the illustrious Rishis and Sages with extreme penance and austerities, and always contemplates, like the pack of honey bees and attain the Paramam Gathi. The preceptors kept the hands of bride and groom together and described the glories of the two clans.   The deities, Bhrama, Rishis and Sages, the people were driven to the supreme state of ecstasy, Devi Sunayana and King Janaka looked at the couple in extreme happiness, and full of emotions.  Thus, all those rites according to Veda and family took place, and King Janaka offered his daughter Janaki to Rama, like Himavan offered his daughter Parvathi to Lord Shambhu, the King of ocean offered Lakshmi to Lord Vishnu,  in this way Janaka offered his daughter Janaki to Rama and earned the highest of the meritorious reward.

King Janaka need not ask for any rewards for his righteous deeds, austerities and penances, the supreme Lord who has dark cloud complexion offered himself to Janaka as a son-in-law. Rama and Sita performed the fire sacrifices together, the tip of the garments of Rama and Sita was tied together, and the couple circumambulated the Agni. The city has reverberated with the Vedic chants, Vandhiganas Sthuthi, Jayadhvani, Mangalagana, and the sounds of Dhundhubi, the trees in the heaven showered fresh alluring flowers upon the couple. The bride and groom beautifully circumambulated the Agni, the people assembled took great pleasure in it, and the splendor of the couple was beyond description, the image of the marvelous couple reflected in all those gem decorated pillars of the Dias.  The people who were taking great pleasure in the loveliness of the couple forgot themselves, like Janaka. Thus, the Rishis and Sages blessed the couple who worshiped the Agni, Rama adorned vermilion on the forehead of Devi Sita, it spread brilliant red rays on her forehead, and the bride and groom took a seat together in a marvelous throne were declared as husband and wife.

King Dhasharatha enjoyed the marvelous sight of the newly wedded couple; he was transported to the state of bliss. Thus, the wedding of Rama with Devi Sita got over. How could I describe one of the most marvelous occasions with a single tongue? Maharishi Vashishta instructed King Janaka to bring Devi Mandavi, Devi Shruthakeerthi and Devi Urmila to the dais. These beautiful young princesses were brought to the Mandap in brides’ attire. Mandavi who is the elder daughter of King Kushakethu/brother of King Janaka is the abode of virtues, simplicity, generosity, bliss, attractiveness, was married to Bharatha, following all those Vedic and family rites. Urmila who is the sister of Janaki symbolizes the storehouse of virtues was given in marriage to Lakshman.  Finally, Shruthakeerthi who has beautiful eyes, virtuous, attractive, was married to Shathrughna, these four couples were equally admirable and happy. Everyone witnessed the beauty of these couples, the deities showered flowers upon them. These four couples represent the Jagrath, Swapna, Sushupthi, and the Thuriya state of Jeevathma. King Dhasharatha took great pleasure watching the attractive couple; it resembled four Purusharththa such as Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha, and the four ways are known as Yaga, Bhakti, Yoga and Sadhana to achieve them.

The marriage of Bharatha, Lakshman and Shathrughna was conducted elaborately as Rama’s wedding to Devi Sita. There was an abundance of gifts pouring for the brides, there was a heap of marvelous ornaments and precious gems, precious beddings, expensive clothing’s, silks, elephants, chariots, horses, male and female servants, cows resembled Kamadhenu decorated in golden ornaments, and there were numerous precious things that were offered as gifts for the brides by King Janaka and King Kushakethu. The Dikpalakas stared at the gifts in jealousy; King Dhasharatha received all that gifts graciously and offered whatever their attendants required and the remaining they stored in hi fortresses.  Janaka with folded hands spoke to the people of the groom with great respect. All the people were treated with gifts and highly appreciated for their participation in the wedding. King Janaka worshipped the Rishis and Sages and prostrated before them and with folded hands spoke “Oh! Mahathma, the saintly people and deities look for the devotion and faith is it possible for me to please the ocean with a handful of water? Oh! Mahathma, we are fortunate ones, repeatedly prostrates before you.” In this way, King Janaka and his brother King Kushakethu expressed their gratitude. King Janaka spoke to King Dhasharatha “Oh! Rajan, we are fortunate to have a relationship with your illustrious clan. Kindly consider the Kingdom of Mithila and all of us as your sincere servants. Kindly treat these young girls as the servants, and shower your kindness upon them. Kindly forgive all my mistakes; I should have treated you with more luxuries.” King Dhasharatha offered an abundance of gifts to Janaka and showered compassionate words, they have shared great respect and love that was beyond words. They both were generous and compassionate, the deities showered flowers upon them. King Dhasharatha returned to the fortress was accompanied by the Dhundhubi, Vedic chants and illustrious Rishis and Sages.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -109 – Dhoha

The initial rites of the celestial wedding

King Janaka reverentially greeted King Dhasharatha as Lord Shiva, and worshiped him with folded hands, and revealed that the marriage between Rama and Devi Sita brought great fortune to him. King Janaka received all the members of the groom’s procession with great respect and offered them respectable seats. I am incapable to describe all those with one tongue.  He offered them a handful of gifts, received them with great respect and humility, engaged in pleasant conversation with them. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahesha,  Ashtadhikpalaka, Surya, who were all disguised in twice-born stood with great admiration watching the generosity of King Janaka, though he did not realize them as deities, were received with great honor and offered respected seats.  The people assembled were taken great pleasure in the loveliness of Rama, like the Chakora birds that enjoy the full moon.

Sage Vashishta called for Sage Shathanandha as the time has arrived for the performance of wedding, further, he informed Shathananda to bring the bride to the dais, Devi Sunayana accompanied by her female attendants felt immensely happy at the progress of the ceremony. Immediately she brought the wives of twice-born and the elderly women in the family. They sang beautifully, all those beautiful women greeted the female deities who have arrived in the form of humans, but none has recognized them as Devi Sachi, Devi Sharadha, Devi Rama or Devi Bhavani, the women assembled had extreme affection towards the female deities, Devi Sunayana considered them as female deities and worshiped. These female deities assumed the form of women was gathered around Devi Sita and took her to the center of the Mandap with great pleasure. The female companions of Devi Sita were holding the Mangaldhravya accompanied, these female companions of Devi Sita have the mesmerizing beauty, they were skillful in sixteen types of decorative works, and has the gait of the elephant. The sages were got out of their meditation listening to their melodious songs, the cuckoo of Kamadheva got shy listening to their voice, and the jingling noises from the ornaments adorned all over their body and the sounds of anklets were matching with the melodious voice of music.

Devi Sita who symbolizes the epitome of beauty was in the middle of her female companions, was beyond comparison. I am incompetent to describe her beauty.  The supreme Goddess who is the abode of virtues and loveliness moved towards Rama, watching this marvelous sight the groom’s people prayed in their hearts. Rama felt immensely pleased with the loveliness of his future wife, King Dhasharatha and his sons were happy to watch the couple, there were no words to describe the happiness of deities and they showered flowers upon the couple. The Rishis and Sages recited the Vedic chants, woman folks sang beautifully and Dhundhubi echoed in the air, in this way Devi Sita entered the middle of the grand wedding hall, Maharishis recited Shanthipat, the preceptors Vashishta and Shathananda, performed all the customary rites as well as Vedic rites. The preceptors advised the twice-born to perform the veneration of Lord Ganesha and Devi Gauri.  The deities accepted the offerings in person and blessed the occasion. The Sages and Rishis who were engaged in the rites got all that desired MangalDhravyas in their hands, those entire King’s men were ready to serve the Dhravyas in golden vessels and trays.  Lord Surya enthusiastically detailed the customary practices in the clan, and it was sincerely observed. Rishis and Sages were instructed Devi Sita to worship all the deities and offered a magnificent throne to her. No one took notice of the lovely glances exchanged by Rama and Sita, which was beyond mind, intellect, and words, it was indescribable, how did a poet like me could describe them?

While performing the fire sacrifices the Lord Agni appeared before them and received the oblations in great happiness. Vedas disguised as twice-born and explained the various rites performed in the marriage. Devi Sunayana who is the Pattamahishi of King Janaka, symbolizes the fame, fortune, bliss, and beauty, prepared ready to perform rites. The moment of auspicious Lagna has arrived, Maharishi’s invited Devi Sunayana to the dais was accompanied by the group of Sumangalis, she took a seat on the left of Janaka, like Queen Mena seated on the left of Himavan. The king and the queen placed the golden vessels and gem trays full of Mangaladhravya, and pure water that has rich fragrance. The Rishis and Sages recited Veda Manthras, King Janaka, and Devi Sunayana were highly pleased to watch the loveliness of the groom, they washed the feet of Rama.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -108 – Dhoha

The beginning of the ceremonial rites

The members of the family of King Janaka and Dhasharatha  were extremely happy, considered the supreme Lord, Parambhramam who arrived in the city of Mithila as a groom, therefore they forgot to notice anyone other than Lord Rama, woman folks assembled to take Harathi, followed with melodious songs and the sounds of divine musical instruments, deities showered flowers, all those woman folk felt highly pleased to watch the loveliness of the groom, and shed tears of joy, transported to a world of ecstasy. Devi Sunaya’s happiness had no bounds, cannot be described even for Devi Sharada or thousand hooded Adishesha in hundreds of Kalpa. Devi Sunayana controlled her tears, as it is inauspicious while taking Harathi of the groom, she happily offered the Harathi, and finished all those rites according to their traditions and as prescribed in the Vedas. There were five types of Mangalavadhyas, and five Geethavadhyas, the floor to the grand hall was decorated with grand carpets, after offering Harathi, Devi Sunayana offered water to Rama to wash his hands. Rama proceeded to Mandap, King Dhasharatha seated in a grand throne with his ministers, the deities showered flowers upon him, and the twice-born recited Vedas. The whole city of Mithila and the sky reverberated in the sounds of music and Dhundhubi, none of the people could talk to each other. Thus Rama entered that glorious Mandap was received with great reverence, a magnificent throne was offered to him.

Rama was surrounded with the group of beautiful women with the Mangala Harathi of earthen lamps, there was a heap of precious ornaments, gems, marvelous royal attires, was kept before him. Lord Bhrama and deities assumed the form of twice-born and witnessed the marvelous scene. They have considered Rama as the Sun in the clan of Raghu, to spread brilliance in the cluster of lotus flowers of the family; they took great pleasure in the loveliness of Rama and felt it as one of the greatest fortune. All those precious ornaments and finest garments were distributed among the attendants, musicians, dancers, etc. with great respect and they showered their blessings to Rama.

King Janaka and Dhasharatha performed all those Vedic rites and rites according to the customs in the family and they embraced each other with great satisfaction, it was one of the blissful moment of the union of the two families, the deities showered flowers upon them.  Even though the poets and intellectuals made an effort to describe the splendor of both the Kings, they failed miserably. The deities eulogized the supreme Lord Rama “Lord Bhrama created the Universe and we have seen many weddings, this is one of the opportunity we could witness the bride and groom belongs to an illustrious clan, equally wealthy and virtuous.” King Janaka invited King Dhasharatha through the beautifully carpeted pathways, and offered water to wash his hands, and reverentially took him to that grand Mandap which has exquisite artworks attracted even the saintly men. King Janaka offered the marvelous throne to King Dhasharatha and all those dignitaries on the dais; he worshiped Sage Vashishta, and got blessings from him. Janaka eulogized the glories of Kaushika that was beyond description, and then he worshiped Vamadeva who was the preceptor of Raghu clan, in this way he received all those preceptors, Sages and Rishis with great respect, and offered them marvelous seats, and received an abundance of blessings from them.

||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -107 – Dhoha

The deities presence in the Grand Hall of wedding

The deities and Lord Bhrama eulogized the splendor of  Dhasharatha and felt as unfortunate ones. The deities showered flowers upon them, the sounds of Dhundhubi echoed in the sky. Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and all the deities mounted on their own celestial vehicles. They traveled to Mithila with extreme happiness and excitement; the deities felt their abodes are inferior seeing the splendor of Mithila. They watched the marvelous arrangements all over the palace and exquisite artworks in the grand Mandap, and the various stunning statues, etc. The people of Mithila were extremely beautiful, had a stunning physical appearance, righteous, virtuous, and highly educated. The deities felt as stars before the full moon; Lord Bhrama surprised watching the absence of his creativity in there. Lord Shiva who is Kamari advised them “ Oh! Deities, realize it is the glorious wedding of the divine couple Rama and Sita, therefore there is nothing to get surprised. The recitation of his sacred names would destroy all the inauspiciousness, and it would bring Purusharththa to the worshiper, it is the magnificence of Rama and Sita you have seen all over the city of Mithila.” Later, Lord Shiva mounted on his celestial bull and left. The deities witnessed King Dhasharatha followed with several twice-born, ascetic, and Rishis, preceded to the palace of King Janaka resembled supreme bliss incarnated on the Earth. Dhasharatha was surrounded by his four handsome sons, resembles Apavarga such as Salokya, Sarupya, Sameepya, and Sayujya incarnated on the Earth. These four handsome sons resembled two pairs of Marakatha/emerald and gold respectively. The deities were pleased to watch their loveliness; they were extremely pleased to watch Rama, showered flowers upon him. Goddess Girija and Tripurari were keenly watching the head to toe loveliness of Rama, could not take out their eyes, they were exported to a state of extreme ecstasy and tears welled upon their eyes.

The Supreme Lord Rama has lustrous dark blue complexion has resembled the neck of the peacock. He was attired in magnificent yellow silk garment has the appearance of the lightning, he was adorned in various ornaments all the body, his face has the sheen of the full moon in the autumn; his beautiful eyes has the appearance of red lotus flower petals. His stunning appearance was beyond description, and it attracted everyone. He stood with his three handsome brothers who were controlling the horses, and other princes were also doing the same, Vandhiganas were singing in praise of the illustrious clan of Raghu and Janaka. Rama’s horse has great speed excelled the swiftness of Garuda, it has the resemblance to the loveliness of Kamadeva, gave out the appearance that Kamadeva assumed the form of the horse for Rama. It has a youthful appearance, great prowess, virtues, attracted the whole world, it was decorated with precious gems and pearls, face covers, and horseback, it astounded the deities, humans, and sages as well. That horse was willingly served the desire of Rama, it was impossible for Devi Sharadha to describe its beauty. Lord Shambhu who has five faces, and three eyes on each face, took great pleasure in the loveliness of Rama and took great pride in his eyes to enjoy that bliss. Lord Vishnu and Goddess Rama affectionately looked at Rama, the four-faced Lord Bhrama enjoyed the beauty of Rama, but he felt unhappy thinking that has only eight eyes to see that loveliness. Devasenapathi Lord Karthikeya who has six faces felt immensely happy that he could witness the beauty of Rama, far better than Lord Bhrama. The intelligent Indra took great pleasure watching Rama with his thousands of eyes and remembered the curse of Sage Gauthama was promising to him. All the deities became jealous of Devendhra/Purandhara who was taking pleasure in the loveliness of Rama with his thousands of eyes.

Devaganas felt highly pleased, and the two illustrious King Janaka and King Dhasharatha felt extremely happy in the union of the two families. They were immensely pleased and the sounds of Dhundhubi echoed in the atmosphere, deities’ showered flowers, and the crowd cheered “Victory to Raghukulamani!” In this way, the procession of the groom approached the grand hall, the Mangala Geetha Vadhya echoed in the atmosphere, Devi Sunayana who is the mother of Devi Sita approached the groom with several stunning women folks, prepared to take Mangalaharathi for Rama. The woman folks who were extremely beautiful had the eyes of antelope, attired in finest garments, adorned in marvelous ornaments, had the beauty excelled Devi Rathi, they were smeared in Haldhi and Kumkum, they were singing like Cuckoo, they were adorned various ornaments on the chest, hands, anklets, and on the waist was producing jingling noises, their graceful walks excelled the beauty of the elephant of Kamadeva.  There were divine sounds of instruments reverberated in the sky, for the grand festival in the sky and Earth.  These women were carrying several marvelous earthen lamps, with a tray full of Mangaladhravya.  The chaste women Shachi/wife of Lord Indra, Sharadha, Rama, Bhavani, and various female deities joined in the crowd, they sang melodiously, everyone was in a state of bliss, hence no one could recognize the female deities who incarnated as attractive women.