Janaka's Messengers Reach King Dasaratha
Balakanda - Sarga 68
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Balakanda - Sarga 68
Messengers from King Janaka arrive in Ayodhya, inviting King Dasaratha to Mithila. They bring news of Rama's triumph and a proposal for his marriage to Sita, setting the stage for an epic journey.
King Janaka sent messengers to Ayodhya. Their journey unfolded as follows:
They traveled for three days and rested for three nights.
They arrived in Ayodhya with tired horses.
Upon reaching the king's palace, they addressed the doorkeepers.
The messengers said to the doorkeepers: "Please inform King Dasaratha immediately that messengers from Janaka have arrived."
In response:
The doorkeepers relayed this message to Dasaratha.
With the king's permission, the messengers entered the royal palace.
There, they beheld the aged King Dasaratha, who shone like a god (deva).
The messengers, with folded hands and free from apprehension, reverentially addressed King Dasaratha in sweet words. They conveyed the following message from King Janaka of Mithila:
"O Great monarch, King Janaka, along with his spiritual preceptors (upadhyayas) and priests (purohitas), repeatedly inquires about your welfare and that of your attendants. He asks this with words full of sweetness and affection.
Furthermore, Janaka, after diligently inquiring about your welfare and with Vishwamitra's permission, sends you this message:
'O King, I had previously vowed to give my daughter in marriage as a reward for prowess (virya-shulka).
Many kings tried and failed, becoming indignant and opposing me.
However, your heroic son Rama, who came here by chance led by Vishwamitra, has won my daughter.
In a great assembly of people, the magnanimous Rama broke the divine bow of immeasurable glory.
I wish to give Sita to this eminent Rama as a reward for his prowess.
I request your consent to fulfill my vow.
O Mighty king, I invite you to:
Come here soon with your preceptors and priests.
Be reunited with Rama and Lakshmana.
By doing so, you will bring me joy, and you will also be delighted to see your sons.'"
After delivering this sweet message from the king of Videha (Janaka), the messengers concluded their speech, mindful of their respect for their king.
Hearing the messengers' words, King Dasaratha was overjoyed. He spoke to Vasishtha, Vamadeva, and his other ministers:
"Rama, who enhances Kausalya's joy, is now staying in the country of the Videhas along with his brother Lakshmana, under Vishwamitra's protection. The illustrious Janaka, having witnessed Rama's prowess, wishes to bestow his daughter upon him.
If you approve of the distinguished Janaka's proposal, let us hurry to the city of Mithila without delay."
The response was unanimous:
All the great sages (maharishis) and ministers responded, "Certainly so."
The king, delighted, announced to his ministers, "We shall start our journey tomorrow."
That night:
The counselors of the king, endowed with excellent virtues, were highly honored.
They spent the night happily, anticipating the journey ahead.
Thus ends the Sixty Eighth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.