Baal Kaanda
57 - Return of the marriage procession to Ayodhya and rejoicing in the city
Chaupais
Description
After fixing on auspicious day the sacred strings (tied round the wrist of the brides and bridegrooms before the wedding for warding off evil-spirits) were united with no little felicity, joy and merriment. The gods were filled with envy to see new rejoicings everyday and begged of the Creator that they might be born in Ayodhya. Visvamitra intended leaving everyday, but was detained by Sri Rama's affectionate entreaties. Seeing the king's devotion to him grow a hundredfold day after day the great sage Visvamitra was full of praise for him. At last when he asked permission to go, the king was greatly moved and with his sons stood before him saying, "My lord, all that I have is yours; while I and my sons and wives are your servants. Be ever gracious to these boys and condescend from time to time to bless me with your sight." So saying, the king with his sons and queens fell at his feet, and speech failed his tongue. The Brahmana (Visvamitra) invoked upon him every kind of blessing and departed amidst a scene of love that defied all description. Sri Rama and all His brothers lovingly escorted him and returned only when they were allowed to go back.