Baal Kaanda
57 - Return of the marriage procession to Ayodhya and rejoicing in the city
Chaupais
Description
Lovely women sang joyous songs, and the night became a source of delight and soul-enchanting. After rinsing their mouth the king and his party were all given betel-leaves; and adorned with garlands and sandal-paste etc., they looked most charming. Looking once more at Sri Rama and having received His permission they proceeded each to his own house, bowing their heads to Him. The love and rapture, meriment and magnanimity, prosperity, splendour and loveliness that manifested there were more than could be told by a hundred Saradas and Sesas, Vedas and Brahmas, Sivas and Ganesas. How, then, can I describe them at length any more than an earthly serpent could support the globe on its head? The king then summoned the queens and, showing every honour to them all, admonished them in gentle tones. "The brides are yet damsels and have come to a strange house; therefore, take care of them as eyelids protect the eyes.