Baal Kaanda
42 - Entry of Visvamitra with Rama and Laksmana into the precincts of Mithila
Chaupais
Description
The entrances to the palace were all beautiful and protected with doors of diamond. They were always thronged with feudatory princes, dancers, panegyrists and bards. There were spacious stables and stalls for elephants, which were crowded at all times with steeds, elephants and chariots. The king had a number of brave ministers and generals. They all owned mansions that vied with the royal palace. In the outskirts of the city by the side of lakes and rivers numerous princes had encamped here and there. On seeing a fine mango-grove, which was comfortable and agreeable in everyway, the sage Kausika (Visvamitra) said, "O wise hero of Raghu's race, I like this orchard; let us stay here." "Very well, my lord !" answered the gracious Lord, and encamped there with all the hermits' train . When the king of Mithila got the news that the great sage Visvamitra had come.