Bala Kanda, Sarga 68

Meaning

Commanded by Janaka, the aforesaid counsellors sent as envoys halted for three days on the way, their horses being exhausted, and then they entered the city of Ayodhyā. (1)

Meaning

Proceeding to the royal palace, they were ushered into the court under orders of the king and beheld there the aged King Daśaratha, who looked like a god. (2)

Meaning

All the envoys, whose feeling of awe had altogether disappeared, thanks to the benign look and amiable disposition of Daśaratha, made the following polite and sweetly-worded submission to the king: (3)

Meaning

“With the sacred fire placed before him and in a polite language imbued with affection, O monarch, King Janaka, the ruler of Mithilā and a source of happiness to his people, has again and again enquired after your undecaying welfare (through our mouth), as also after that of your preceptor and family priest as well as of your attendants. (4-5)

Meaning

“Enquiring after your undisturbed welfare, King Janaka, of the Videha dynasty, the ruler of Mithilā, has with the consent of Viśwāmitra (son of Kuśika) sent you the following message : (6)

Meaning

“ ‘My pledge that my daughter shall be won only through valour must already be known to you, as also the fact that kings lacking in strength (that could enable them to pass the test) were repulsed, even though they resented it. (7)

Meaning

“This celebrated daughter of mine, O illustrious king, has been decisively won by your beloved and worthy son, Śrī Rāma, who arrived through my good luck at my capital with sage Viśwāmitra as his guide. (8)

Meaning

“ ‘Nay, that superb heavenly bow of Lord Śiva was actually broken at the middle by the high-souled Śrī Rāma in the midst of a huge concourse of men, O long-armed one ! (9)

Meaning

“ ‘Sītā, my daughter, who has thus been won through personal valour, now remains to be given away by me to that exalted soul. By doing so I seek to redeem my pledge. Be pleased to sanction it. (10)

Meaning

“ ‘Accompanied by your preceptor and placing the family priest at your head, O great king, come soon and be pleased to behold Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, the two scions of Raghu; may God bless you ! (11)

Meaning

“ ‘You ought to bring my pledge to completion, O king of kings! In this way you will witness the joyous mood of both your sons. (12)

Meaning

“ ‘Seconded by Viśwāmitra and abiding by the advice of Śatānanda, the ruler of the Videha territory has addressed such sweet words to you.’ ” (13)

Meaning

Supremely delighted to hear the aforesaid submission of the envoys of Janaka, king Daśaratha addressed the sages, Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva, as well as his counsellors in the following words : (14)

Meaning

“Looked after by Viśwāmitra, son of Kuśika, Śrī Rāma, who enhances the joy of Kausalyā by his presence is sojourning at present in the kingdom of the Videhas alongwith his brother, Lakṣmaṇa. (15)

Meaning

“The prowess of Śrī Rāma, the ornament of Kakutstha’s race, has been witnessed by the high-souled Janaka, who accordingly desires to give away his daughter to Śrī Rāma, a jewel of Raghu’s race.(16)

Meaning

“If the family history and the mode of life of the high-souled Janaka commends itself to you, let us proceed at once to his capital, Mithilā, and let there be no loss of time.” (17)

Meaning

The counsellors and all the great seers said, “Amen !” And highly pleased, the king, Daśaratha, too said to the counsellors, “Let the journey be commenced tomorrow.” (18)

Meaning

Greately delighted to hear of the king’s decision and highly honoured by Daśaratha, all the counsellors of King Janaka, who were richly endowed with all excellences befitting a king’s counsellor, halted for the night at Ayodhyā. (19)