Baal Kaanda
54 - Janaka's despatching of messengers to Ayodhya and departure of the marriage procession from there
Chaupais
Description
Janaka's messengers arrived at Sri Rama's sacred birth-place and rejoiced to behold the charming city. They sent in word at the entrance of the royal palace; hearing of their arrival King Dasaratha summoned them to his presence. With due reverence they delivered the letter; and the king in his joy rose to receive it in person. As he read the letter, tears rushed to his eyes; the hair on his body stood erect and his heart was full. With Rama and Laksmana in his heart and the valuable letter in his hand, he remained mute and could not utter a word, either good or bad. Then recovering himself, he read out the letter, and the court rejoiced to hear the authentic news. Obtaining the news at the very spot where he had been playing about Bharata came with his playmates and brother (Satrughna), and with the utmost modesty and affection asked,"Father,where has the letter come from?"