Baal Kaanda
57 - Return of the marriage procession to Ayodhya and rejoicing in the city
Chaupais
Description
With his heart overflowing with love he made entreaties to the Guru and placed his sons and all his wealth before him. The great sage, however, asked for and accepted only his customary due (as a family priest) for the ceremonial occasion and blessed him in profusion. And with the image of Sita and Rama installed in his heart he gladly proceeded to his own residence. The king then summoned all the Brahmana dames, and invested them with beautiful robes, and ornaments. He next sent for the married women of the city (whose husbands were alive and who, though born in Ayodhya, were married elsewhere) and presented them with garments of their liking. All those who were entitled to receive gifts and presents on ceremonial occasions received their dues from the jewel of kings, who rewarded them according to their choice; and the king duly honoured those guests whom he regarded as worthy of affection and adoration. The gods who witnessed Sri Rama's wedding rained down flowers, while applauding the jubilation-