Rama and Lakshmana, guided by sage Viswamitra, arrive at King Janaka's sacrificial ground. The king welcomes them warmly and inquires about the young princes' extraordinary appearance and purpose. 

Rama's Arrival at Janaka's Court (Shlokas 1.50.1 - 1.50.25)

Arrival at the Sacrificial Ground (Shlokas 1.50.1 - 1.50.5)

Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana and guided by Vishwamitra, proceeded in the northeastern direction and reached the sacrificial ground. Impressed by the extensive preparations for the sacrifice, Rama addressed Vishwamitra:

"O illustrious sage, King Janaka's arrangements for the sacrifice are excellent. We can see thousands of Brahmins (priests) from various regions who are well-versed in Vedic studies. The shelters for ascetics are crowded with hundreds of carts. O great ascetic, please choose a suitable place for us to stay."

Hearing Rama's words, the great sage Vishwamitra selected a peaceful spot near a water source for their encampment.

King Janaka's Welcome (Shlokas 1.50.6 - 1.50.11)

When King Janaka heard of Vishwamitra's arrival, he quickly went to welcome him. The king was accompanied by Shatananda, his blameless family priest, who walked ahead. Eminent officiating priests brought offerings and paid homage to Vishwamitra with prayers.

After receiving the king's worship, Vishwamitra inquired about the welfare of the king and the progress of the sacrifice. He then greeted the sages, spiritual teachers, and priests according to tradition. Everyone joined them in great delight.

Janaka's Gratitude and Inquiry (Shlokas 1.50.12 - 1.50.21)

As the gathering settled, King Janaka, seeing everyone seated according to their rank, addressed Vishwamitra with profound gratitude:

"Today, my sacrifice has been made fruitful by the gods. I have reaped the rewards of my sacrifice through your venerable presence. I am blessed and obliged that you have come to my sacrificial pavilion with these ascetics. O great Brahmin, the learned say only twelve days remain for the completion of this sacrifice. Thereafter, you should witness the gods claiming their shares."

Intrigued by the young men accompanying Vishwamitra, Janaka continued his inquiry with a cheerful countenance and folded palms:

"O sage, who are these two young men with godlike prowess? They move like elephants or lions, strong as tigers or bulls. Their eyes are large like lotus petals, and they carry swords, quivers, and bows. In their youthful beauty, they resemble the Ashwins (divine twin gods of medicine). They appear like gods who have descended to earth of their own free will. Whose sons are they? How did they come here on foot, and for what purpose?"

Vishwamitra's Introduction (Shlokas 1.50.22 - 1.50.25)

Touched by Janaka's curiosity, Vishwamitra introduced the two young men as the illustrious sons of King Dasharatha. He then related their remarkable journey to the king, including:

1. Their stay at Siddha Ashrama (a hermitage of accomplished sages)

2. The slaying of the rakshasas (demons)

3. Their undaunted journey

4. The sight of the city of Vishala

5. The appearance of Ahalya and meeting with Gautama

6. Their curiosity about the great bow, which brought them to Mithila

After providing this information to the distinguished King Janaka, the great sage Vishwamitra fell silent, allowing the king to absorb the extraordinary tale of the young princes.

Thus ends the Fiftieth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.