Ayodhya Kaanda
61 - Preparations for Sri Rama's installation as the Prince Regent of Ayodhya; the godís concern over the same and their approaching Goddess Sarasvati for help
Chaupais
Description
Those who broke the news were richly rewarded with ornaments and costumes. With their body thrilling over with emotion and heart full of rapture all the queens started preparing festal vases. Queen Sumitra painted with coloured meal lovely diagrams in various charming designs and filled them with jewels. Overwhelmed with delight Sri Rama's mother (Kausalya) summoned the Brahmanas and loaded them with gifts. She worshipped village deities and other gods and Nagas and vowing them further offerings said to them, "In your mercy grant me a boon which may ensure Sri Rama's welfare." Moon-faced and fawn- eyed ladies sang festal strains in a voice as sweet as the notes of a cuckoo.