RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--CHAPTER 68

                                          RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 68

                                                   DASARATHA INVITED TO MITHILA

Janaka’s messengers spent three days on the road. The horses had become tired. On the fourth day, they reached lordly Ayodhya.

They approached the royal palace. They spoke to the wardens, “Make haste and inform your Lord that the envoys of Janaka await his pleasure.”

Dasaratha was informed of this at once. The wardens returned and said, “You are welcome to enter the royal palace.”

They did so. And soon they were in the presence of the Lord of Kosala. With folded palms, the messengers addressed the aged king. “Janaka is the master of us and the ruler of Mithila. He makes anxious enquiries through us again and again of your well-being. Do you have peace of heart? Is it well with your kinsmen? Do the household Fires receive due worship? Is it all well with the priests and teachers? Does the current of their lives flow on smoothly? Are they ever intent upon the search for Truth? Are they discharging the duties of their high office properly? Are the people happy and contented? Next, with the permission of the great Visvamitra, our king places this request. “It is well-known that I have instituted a trial of valour among the various princes of the earth. My daughter Sita is the prize for the winner. Great kings and famous warriors sought her hand. They went through the test I have set for them. But they were nothing before your valiant son, Rama. He came here in the wake of the sage Visvamitra. Your god-like boy distanced all the competitors. There were countless champions. There were renowned kings of the Earth, older in years. All of them were war veterans. There were princes and peasants, warriors and citizens, saints and sages. You son, Sri Rama broke the wonderful bow entrusted to me by the Lord Mahadeva. And so I should give him my daughter, Sita in marriage. I entreat your consent to my request. And pray you to enable me to keep my word. Please bless my humble palace with your presence. Come here along with your saintly priests and teachers. Do not tarry. For you should see your lordly sons.’ Thus our King Janaka speaks to you. Visvamitra sanctions his request.”

Dasaratha heard the message of his brother king. It sank deep into his heart. He was happy beyond words. He addressed Vasishtha and Vamadeva and to the councillors and said, “Rama is Kausalya’s delight and my heart’s joy. He resides in the capital of Videhas. Visvamitra extends over the princes his protection. Janaka is the great-souled One. He has had an opportunity to acquaint himself with the prowess of Rama. And now he desires to give his daughter in marriage to Raghava. Janaka is a royal sage. He is not unknown to you all. If his proposal seems good we must proceed to his capital. We should not delay.”

The hearts of the sages and ministers were always turned towards the interest of their master. So they expressed their joyful assent and approval. Then Dasaratha stated he intended to start the next day. Meanwhile, the envoys of Janaka were invited to pass the night there. The hours passed away in cheerful conversation.