Baal Kaanda
55 - Arrival of the marriage procession and its reception etc., at Janakapura
Chaupais
Description
The king prostrated himself before the sage, placing the dust of the latter's feet on his head again and again. Kausika pressed the king to his bosom, blessed him and inquired after his welfare. When King Dasaratha saw the two brothers prostrating themselves, he could not contain himself for joy. Pressing the boys to his bosom he allayed the unbearable pangs of separation and looked like a dead body restored to life. Rama and Laksmana then bowed their head at Vasistha's feet and the great sage embraced them in the ecstasy of love. The two brothers next saluted all the Brahmanas and in turn received their welcome blessings. Bharata and his younger half-brother (Satrughna) greeted Rama, who lifted them and embraced them. Laksmana rejoiced to see the two brothers (Bharata and Satrughna) and as he embraced them his limbs were throbbing with emotion.