Baal Kaanda
39 - Visvamitra visits king Dasaratha and asks for Sri Rama and Laksmana
Chaupais
Description
When the king heard of the sage's visit he went out to meet him with a party of Brahmanas. Prostrating himself on the ground the king reverently brought him in and seated him on his own throne. Then, washing the sage's feet, he paid him great honours and said, "No one else is so blessed as I am today." The king next entertained him with various kinds of food and the great sage was much delighted at heart. He then placed his four sons on the latter's feet. At the sight of Sri Rama the sage forgot all about himself. He was enraptured as he gazed on the beauty of Sri Rama's countenance even as the Cakora bird is enamoured of the full moon. Gladdened at heart, the king then addressed the following words to him, "Reverend sir, you have never shown such grace to me before. Tell me what brings you here; I will carry out your order without delay." "Hosts of demons molest me, O king; I have therefore come to ask something of you. Let me have the Lord of Raghus, Sri Rama, with His younger brother (Laksmana); with the extermination of the demons I will feel secure."