Baal Kaanda
55 - Arrival of the marriage procession and its reception etc., at Janakapura
Chaupais
Description
Having observed every custom that derived its authority from the Vedas or from popular tradition the two kings Janaka and Dasaratha, embraced each other with great love. The two monarchs while embracing each other presented a glorious spectacle; poets made repeated efforts to find a suitable analogy but felt abashed at their failure. Finding no comparison anywhere, they felt baffled and concluded that the pair could be likened to themselves alone. The gods were enraptured to see the tie of love between the two kings united by marriage alliance; raining down flowers they began to sing the glories of both. "Ever since Brahma created the world, we have witnessed and heard of many a marriage; but it is only today that we have seen the pomp and grandeur on both sides so well-balanced in every respect and the fathers of the bride and the bridegroom so well-matched." Hearing the above voice from heaven, which was so charming yet so true, there was a flood of transcendent love on both sides. Unrolling beautiful carpets on the way and offering water to wash his hands with, Janaka himself conducted Dasaratha to the pavilion with all honour.