Baal Kaanda
55 - Arrival of the marriage procession and its reception etc., at Janakapura
Chaupais
Description
The sight of Sri Rama was so soothing to the guests; the ways of love are beyond description. Beside the king his four sons looked like incarnations as it were of the four ends of human endeavour, viz., riches, religious merit etc. The people of the city were delighted beyond measure to see King Dasaratha with his sons. The gods rained down flowers and beat their drums; the nymphs of heaven danced and sang. Satananda (King Janaka's family preceptor) and the other Brahmanas and ministers of State, as well as the genealogists, minstrels, jesters and rhapsodists, who formed the deputation, paid due honour to the king and his party and returned with their permission. The bridegroom's party had arrived earlier than the day fixed for the wedding: there was great rejoicing in the city on this account . Everyone enjoyed transcendent bliss and prayed to the Creator that the days and nights might be lengthened.