RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 50, AT MITHILA

                                   RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 50

                                                                  AT MITHILA

They proceeded north-east. Presently they found the sacrificial grounds of Janaka. “Reverend Sir,” Rama said to Visvamitra, “Janaka has made splendid arrangements for his sacrifice. Lovely cottages for the sages dot the whole country. I think Brahmins who are masters of the Vedas stay here by the hundreds. Point out to us some convenient spot where we may encamp.” Accordingly, Visvamitra pitched their quarters away from the noise and bustle.

Janaka was at once informed of their arrival. He came out to welcome them. The Holy Satananda led the way. The priests followed the Royal Chaplain. They offered high reverence. Visvamitra accepted the honour. He enquired the king of his health and progress of his sacrificial rite. Janaka replied properly. He asked about their welfare and journey. Then he offered seats to Visvamitra and other sages.

Janaka turned to Visvamitra and said, “This day has crowned the preparation I have been making for the sacrifice. I have realised the object of my holy toil. I am thrice blessed. You have agreed to grace my sacrificial ground. These ascetics of pure vows have also accompanied you. The Gods will come down here to accept their shares of offerings.”

He resumed with joy, “Who are these youths. They are God-like in might. They are of lordly gait like the elephant or the tiger or the bull. They have large and lustrous eyes. They are like the rosy petals of the blown lotus. How they shine in the martial attire. They have bow in hand, sword by their sides and the well-filled quivers peeping from behind. More like the Aswins, the heavenly twins. Are they Gods themselves? How could they have come all the way on foot? What do they seek? Who are they here for? Face, features, gestures, gait, speech, the keenest eye cannot distinguish the one from the other.  Whose sons they are? They are Lords of men. Why have they trod this wild and dreadful path? May I know the truth that lies behind this?

And Visvamitra  related the visit of the royal sons of Dasaratha to Siddhasrama. How they utterly destructed the Rakshasas and their stay at Visala on the way. How Ahalya was released from her curse. How they met the holy Gautama. And last, how they are eager to see the mighty bow he has. Thus he recounted their remarkable journey to Janaka and paused.