Baal Kaanda
56 - The wedding of Sita and Rama and Their farewell
Chaupais
Description
Then there was a banquet with a rich variety of dishes, to which Janaka invited all the members of the bridegroom's party. Carpets of incomparable beauty were spread on the way as King Dasaratha sallied forth with his sons. The feet of all were reverently washed and then they were seated on wooden seats according to their rank. Janaka laved the feet of Dasaratha, King of Ayodhya; his courtesy and affection were past telling. He then bathed Sri Rama's lotus-feet, that are enshrined in the lotus-like heart of Siva. Similarly he washed with his own hands the feet of the other three brothers also, treating them on a par with Sri Rama. King Janaka assigned an appropriarte seat to each guest and sent for all the cooks (for service). Leaves joined together so as to serve for plates were set before the guests with due reverence-leaves which were made of precious stones and had been joined with gold pins.