Bala Kandam

Sargam [Chapter]: 71
Janaka's Clan Details

[Janaka tells about his clan starting from Nimi. He also introduces his brother Kusadwaja. The marriage of Rama with Sita and Urmila, Janaka's younger daughter, with Lakshmana is proposed and accepted.]

Hearing what was spoken by Vasishta, King Janaka replied with folded hands "You be safe. It is only proper that you listen to our genealogy." 71.1

"Oh great sage, it is very important to listen to the genealogy completely and it is appropriate for one born in a great clan to tell about it. Please listen." 71.2

"There was a King called Nimi who was famous in all the three worlds by his own acts. He was a great follower of Dharma and greatly endowed with strength." 71.3

"He had a son called Mithi, who constructed this town of Mithila. He was the first Janaka and his son was Udhavasu." 71.4

"To the virtuous Udavasu was born a son called Nandhivardhana. And Sukethu was the son of Nandhivardhana." 71.5

"To the virtuous Sukethu, the strong Devaratha was born. He was a royal sage and to him was born a son called Brihadartha." 71.6

"The son of Brihadratha was the valorous and famous Mahaveera. He had a courageous and truthful son called Sudruthi." 71.7

"The soul of Dharma, Drishtakethu, who was a great follower of Dharma, was born to Sudruthi and to that royal sage a son named Haryaswa was born." 71.8

"Maru was the son of Haryaswa and Prathindhaka was the son of Maru. The son of Prathinthaka was King Keerthiratha, who was a follower of Dharma." 71.9

"Devameedha was the son of Keerthiratha. Vibhudha was the son of Devameedha and his son was Maheedraka." 71.10

"The mighty King Keerthiratha was the son of Maheedraka and that royal sage's son was Maharoma." 71.11

"Maharoma's son was the virtuous Swarnaroma and his son was the royal sage Hrusvaroma." 71.12

"For that great follower of Dharma was born two sons. I am the eldest and Krusdwaja is the second son." 71.13

"My father Hrusvaroma, after crowning me, who is the eldest son, as the king, placed the burden of bringing up Kusadwaja on me and went to the forest." 71.14

"After my aged father attained heaven, I am looking after my brother Kusadwaja, who resembles devas, in an affectionate manner and I am ruling this kingdom as per the tenets of Dharma." 71.15

"Then after passage of sometime, a powerful King Sudhanwa set out from town of Sankhasya with a view to besiege Mithila." 71.16

"He sent a message to me for handing over the matchless bow of Lord Shiva and lotus eyed maid Sita to him." 71.17

"Oh Brahmarishi, by my not giving these, a big war broke out between him and me; In that encounter, Sudhanwa was killed by me." 71.18

"Oh great sage, after killing that King Sudhanwa, I crowned my heroic brother Kusadwaja as the King of Sankhasya." 71.19

"Oh great sage, this is my younger brother; I am the eldest one. Oh great sage, I am immensely pleased to offer the two maidens Sita to Rama and Urmila to Lakshmana. May you be safe." 71.20

"As a reward for the prowess, I am offering my daughter Sita, who is similar to the daughter of devas, and also my second daughter Urmila. I am proclaiming this thrice so that there is no doubt about it." 71.21

"I am giving these two brides, who are greatly loved by me, as brides to the sons of Raghu clan. Oh King, please make Rama and Lakshmana give away gift of cows. Let it be performed for satisfying the manes. Safety to you. Afterwards, the marriage may be performed." 71.22-71.23

"Oh valorous one, Oh Lord, today is the star Makha and third day from today is the star Uthara Phalguni [Uthram]. Oh king, we could perform the marriage on that day. For ensuring happiness of Rama and Lakshmana, let dhana [charity] of various forms may be given." 71.24

This is the end of Seventy First Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 72
Kusadwaja's Daughters

[Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi, daughters of Kusdawaja, are offered as brides to Bharatha and Sathrugna. The offer is accepted and the marriage is fixed. Dasaratha does the preliminary rituals for the marriage.]

The great sage Viswamithra, along with Vasishta, after hearing these words of King Janaka, told Janaka. 72.1

"Oh great king, the glories of the clan of Ikshuvaku as well as that of Vaideha are immeasurable and beyond mere thought. There is no one equal to kings of these clans." 72.2

"Oh King, Urmila with Lakshmana and Sita with Rama are perfect matches. There is perfect match in their forms and their marriage is in accordance with Dharma." 72.3

"Oh great man, what I intend to tell may please be heard. This Kushadwaja, who is the brother of the King, is the great follower of Dharma." 72.4

"Oh king, oh best among men, we are seeking his two daughters, matchless in beauty and virtue, as brides to grooms." 72.5

"Oh king, the lads Bharatha and Shatrugna are great and magnanimous; we choose them as brides for both of them." 72.6

"These two sons of Dasaratha are handsome and youthful; they are like kings who are protectors of the world and devas. " 72.7

"Oh king, let the bond be strengthened between the clan of Ikshuvaku and your clan of pious deeds with great and clear vision." 72.8

Then having heard the wishes of Viswamithra and Vasishta, Janaka with folded palms addressed those sages and told. 72.9

"Our clans are indebted to you, oh great sages, for your commanding us for this relation between our clans." 72.10

"And let it happen as suggested by you; you be safe. Let the daughters of Kusadwaja become the wives of Bharatha and Shatrugna and serve them." 72.11

"On the same day, let the hands of our four daughters be held by the four strong princes." 72.12

"The Prajapathi called Bhaga appreciates the holding of the marriage on the day when there is Uthara Phalguni Star [Uthram]." 72.13

The King Janaka, after telling these pleasing words, stood up with folded hands and told the two great saints. 72.14

"Both of you have done supreme dharma for me. Oh eminent sages, I am your disciple and so please occupy these great thrones." 72.15

"My city is like Ayodhya for King Dasaratha and there is no doubt about it; you can govern it as you please." 72.16

When the King Janaka talked in this manner, the son of Raghu clan King Dasaratha became happy and replied to King Janaka. 72.17

"You brothers, who are the kings of Mithila, have countless good qualities. Sages and groups of kings have been worshipped by you." 72.18

"Be peaceful, may you obtain safety. I shall go to my residence and perform all rituals concerning ancestors" he spoke like this. 72.19

Then that very famous King Dasaratha took leave and Janaka also went away after those two sages. 72.20

After going to his residence, King Dasaratha did the Sradha [ceremony addressed to ancestors] as per the scriptures. After getting up in the morning, he did the charity of giving cows.. 72.21

That King gave thousands of cows to Brahmins and these charities were meant for the sake of each of his sons. 72.22

That great man Dasaratha, who was affectionate towards his sons, distributed hundred thousand cows, with their horns covered in gold, with abundant yield of milk, accompanied by their calves, as well as bronze vessel for milking and also many valuables to the Brahmins in the names of his sons. 72.23-72.24

The King, who had given the cows in charity, as well as observed penance for the sake of his sons, looked like Lord Brahma surrounded by the guardians of world. 72.25

This is the end of Seventy Second Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 73
Marriage Celebration

[The uncle of Bharatha arrives in Mithila. The four marriages are conducted by giving the brides to grooms and by their going round fire.]

On the day, when the King gave away the cows in charity, that day, the valorous Yudhajit [uncle of Bharatha] arrived. 73.1

He was the son of the King of Kekaya and uncle of Bharatha, after seeing and enquiring about the welfare to Dasaratha, he told the King Dasaratha. 73.2

"My father, the King of Kekaya enquired about your welfare and all the people whose welfare you would ask are okay." 73.3

"Oh joy of Raghu clan, Oh Indra of all kings, My father, the King of Kekaya wished me to see the lady of our family and so I went to Ayodhya." 73.4

"Oh king, hearing that you have arrived in Mithila along with your sons for their marriage, I came speedily here to see the son of my sister." 73.5

Then Dasaratha accorded him great hospitality and also extended proper honours to him." 73.6

Thereafter, spending that night with his illustrious sons, King Dasaratha, who knew his duties, woke up at dawn, completed his morning rituals, reached the sacrificial place, preceded by sages. 73.7-73.8

At the auspicious time, Rama along with his brothers, all of them completely adorned by various ornaments, after having performed the rituals preceding the marriage, with Vasishta and other great sages walking ahead of him, reached his father's presence. 73.9-73.10

The God like Vasishta approached the King Janaka and spoke the following words, "Oh king, oh great man, King Dasaratha has performed all rites preparatory to the marriage along with his sons and is waiting for the one who would give them the brides." 73.11

"All other rituals of marriage take place only when the giver and receiver meet together and so fulfill your duty by performing the auspicious marriage." 73.12

After the great Vasishta, who was exceedingly generous, told like this, King Janaka, who had great luster and one who follows the tenets of Dharma strictly, replied using the following words. 73.13

"Did any guard prevent you? To whose command are you waiting for? Why this hesitation to enter your own house? For this kingdom is like your kingdom." 73.14

"Oh great sage, my daughters, who have performed all the rites preceding the marriage and shining like the flame of a fire, have already arrived at the foot of the altar." 73.15

"I am keeping myself ready and am waiting for you. We would proceed further without any problems and why should there be further delay?" 73.16

Having heard the words spoken by Janaka, Dasaratha made his sons as well as many sages enter the marriage arena. 73.17

Afterwards, Janaka, the King of Videha, spoke these words to sage Vasishta, "Oh Lord, who observes Dharma, Oh sage, along with other sages, be pleased to perform the marriage ceremonies of Rama so that the whole world is happy." 73.18-73.19

The god like sage Vasishta addressed Janaka and said, "Let it be so." He, along with sage Viswamithra and virtuous Sathananda, reached the centre of the marriage arena and constructed an altar according to the scriptures. He decorated the altar with fragrant flowers, golden pots with holes, earthen ware pots filled with water and sprouts, pots for holding incense, conch shaped vessels, sacrificial bowls and ladles, water pots for offering Arghya, vessels containing puffed rice and the well prepared sacred rice." 73.20-73.23

Then the lustrous god like sage Vasishta, according to tradition, placed equal quantity of Durba grass around the altar, recited manthras according to scriptures and started fire on the altar by placing fire on it and started giving ablations. 73.24

Then King Janaka, having brought Sita adorned with all types of ornaments, in the presence of fire, placed her facing Rama and spoke to Rama, who increased joy of Kausalya." 73.25-73.26

"This girl Sita, who is my daughter, would be travelling with you in your journey to observe Dharma. Please accept her hand and hold it with yours. May there be safety to both of you." 73.27

"This greatly lucky and virtuous Sita would always follow you like your shadow", saying like this, along with chanting of Manthras, he released sanctified water in to the hands of Rama. 73.28

Then all devas and sages said, "Great, great" and the divine drums were played and there was rain of flowers. 73.29

Then the King Janaka, having given Sita to Rama, along with the sanctified water, shed tears of joy and said. 73.30

"Oh Lakshmana, please come. Urmila is ready to be given to you. Please accept her hand and hold it with your hand. Let there be no delay in doing it." 73.31

After speaking like this to Lakshmana, Janaka addressed Bharatha and said, "Oh son of Raghu clan, please hold the hand of Mandavi." 73.32

That soul of Dharma, King Janaka then addressed Shatrugna and also spoke to him, "Oh great hero, please hold Sruthakeerthi's hand in yours." 73.33

"Oh sons of Kakustha dynasty, all of you posses good conduct, have a gentle disposition and are faithful to your vows. Without any delay start living with your wives." 73.34

After hearing the words of Janaka, after taking the consent of Vasishta, those four took the hands of their wives in their hand." 73.35

Those good and great sons of Raghu clan, accompanied by their wives, in obedience to sage Vasishta, went round the sacred fire in the altar and entered in to matrimony. 73.36

When the sons of Kakustha clan were holding the tender and soft hands of their wives with immense splendour, there was rain of flowers from the sky. 73.37

Accompanied by the playing of divine drum, there was the sound of various musical instruments. The gang of Apasaras danced and the Gandharwas sang when the important sons of Raghu clan were getting married and it was wonderful. 73.38-73.39

When the tunes of wind instruments were making the sweet music, those lustrous brothers went round the fire three times and got married. 73.40

Thereafter, the sons of Raghu clan, along with their wives, went towards their residences accompanied by the king, hosts of sages and relations. 73.41

This is the end of Seventy Third Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 74
Ayodhya Journey

[Viswamithra took leave and went to the forest to do penance. Dasaratha, his sons and the new brides along with sages and the army started towards Ayodhya. Janaka came with them and gave several presents to his daughters and bid them farewell. On the way, they saw lot of disturbance. Then Parasurama, the son of Jamadagni, appeared before them and started talking to Rama,]

After the night was spent, the great sage Viswamithra, after blessing the sons of the Raghu clan, took leave of those two kings and went towards the northern Mountains. 74.1

After the departure of Viswamithra, King Dasaratha, who causes happiness in people, took leave of Janaka, the King of Mithila and speedily started going towards Ayodhya. 74.2

While they were going, King Janaka followed them to a certain distance and King of Videha gave many presents to his daughters. 74.3

The King of Mithila gave them several crores of cows, several excellent carpets, crores of silk dresses, elephants, horses, chariots and infantry and also well decorated excellent female and male servants, possessing divine beauty. 74.4-74.5

That greatly pleased one also gave them matchless dowry in the form of golden ornaments with luster, decorated by pearls and corals. 74.6

The King of Mithila, after having given them plenty of wealth and after taking leave of King Dasaratha, went back to his home. 74.7

The King of Ayodhya also left along with his great sons; sages were going in the front; servants and others following him. 74.8

That tiger among men, along with his sons and sages, noticed that the birds were making sounds of fear here and there. 74.9

All the animals of the place went to their right in the clockwise fashion. Having seen this, the tiger among men approached sage Vasishta and asked. 74.10

"Why are the frightened birds as well as the suffering deer going round us?I am in great fear, my heart is trembling and I am in depressed spirits." 74.11

The sage Vasishta heard these words of King Dasaratha and said, "I shall listen to these noises and then tell you." 74.12

"The sounds released by the birds indicate an event of divine nature; the dreadful sound made by the animals indicate that they are restoring peace and so do not get worried." 74.13

When they were talking with each other, the earth started shaking and a great wind started blowing which made many trees fall on the ground. 74.14

Darkness enveloped the sun and all directions did not shine; the entire army was covered with ashes and looked as if they had fainted. 74.15

But sage Vasishta, other saints, Dasaratha and his sons retained their consciousness; all others lost their consciousness. 74.16

In that fearful darkness, the army looked as if it was covered by ashes and King Dasaratha saw that descendent of sage Brugu, looking dreadful with his matted hair and crown, who was inaccessible like the Kailasa Mountains, who had killed several Kings of Kings, who was difficult to endure due to his shine, like the fire at the time of deluge, whose power was burning ordinary men and making him difficult to see, who was carrying an axe on his shoulder, who was carrying a bow similar to series of lightning and also an arrow and who looked like Lord Shiva who had come to destroy Tripura. 74.17-74.20

Seeing him, who was fearful in appearance with a looks of flaming fire that was raging, Vasishta and others, who were experts in chanting Manthras and oblations in fire, assembled in one place and whispered among themselves. 74.21

"Enraged by the slaughter of his father, was he not intent upon exterminating the race of Kshatriyas? Earlier by slaughtering the Kshatriyas, he got himself freed from anger and sorrow. Is he again desirous of killing of Kshatriyas?" 74.22-74.23

After the saints had talked among themselves, they offered water to wash the feet of Bhargava's son, who had fearsome appearance, and started speaking to him in soft and sweet words, "Rama, Rama." 74.24

That valiant son of Jamadagni, after accepting the worship offered by the saints, started speaking to Rama, the son of Dasaratha." 74.25

This is the end of Seventy Fourth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 75
Parasurama's Story and Vishnu Bow

[Sage Parasurama tells about how Viswakarma made two bows; gave one to Vishnu and another to Shiva. The Vishnu bow was given to his grand father, who gave it to his father, who gave it to him. At this, Dasaratha was scared; but Parasurma completed the story of the bows and challenged Rama to string it and send an arrow using it.]

"Oh son of Dasaratha, Oh Rama, I have been hearing about your great prowess and I have also heard about your breaking of Shiva's bow." 75.1

That breaking of the bow is wonderful and beyond our thought. Hearing about that, I have come with another divine bow." 75.2

"This great bow of dreadful appearance was obtained by sage Jamadagni; complete the test of your prowess by sending an arrow with that bow." 75.3

"After seeing your prowess, while you are stretching the bow, I shall engage you in a duel for appreciating your valour." 75.4

After King Dasaratha heard those words, he, with a dejected face full of sorrow, spoke the following. 75.5

"You are a famous Brahmana, who has become quiet by your anger against Kshatriyas, and it would be proper if you give protection to my sons who are only boys." 75.6

"You are born in the clan of Bhrugu, shining due to his study of Vedas and observance of penance.You have already left off use of weapons by taking a vow in the name of Indra." 75.7

"You, with an intent on Dharma, have conferred this entire earth to Kashyapa; you have retired to the forest and are living on Mahendra Mountain." 75.8

"Oh great sage, you have come for my complete destruction today; if you kill Rama, none of us will survive." 75.9

When Dasaratha was talking like this to the famous son of Jamadagni, disregarding those words, he was only addressing Rama. 75.10

"These two great divine bows are famous all over the world as they are both stout and powerful; they were made by Viswakarma himself at the same time." 75.11

"Oh Great human being, Oh son of Kakustha clan, the one which was broken by you was given to devas by the three eyed Lord Shiva, who was the destroyer of the three cities." 75.12

"The second unassailable bow was given by the chief of devas to Lord Vishnu. Oh Rama, oh son born in the Kakustha clan, this highly radiant bow of Lord Vishnu is as strong as the other bow of Rudra." 75.13

"Then all devas at that time asked Lord Brahma to find out about the comparative strength and weaknesses of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu." 75.14

"The grandfather who was foremost among all those who speak, after he came to know about the intention of devas, instigated the quarrel between both the Gods." 75.15

"A great war took place between Shiva and Vishnu, each desirous of a victory over other, making one's hairs to stand erect." 75.16

"Then by the sound of "hum", the dreadful power of Shiva's bow was compromised and the three eyed one was made motionless." 75.17

"All devas along with sages and Charanas, who had assembled there, requested both of them. As both of them were great devas they both were pacified." 75.18

"Since Shiva's bow was made benumbed by the bow of Vishnu, devas and sages thought that Vishnu's bow was superior." 75.19

"The famous Shiva, who got angry with this, placed the bow and arrow with the Royal sage Devaratha in the country of Videha." 75.20

"Oh Rama, that Vishnu, capable of conquering hostile cities, gave his bow with trust to Richaka belonging to the race of Bhrigus." 75.21

"That Richaka, who had great luster, gave it to his son, the famous Jamadagni, who was one with matchless valour." 75.22

"Endowed with great power of penance, my father renounced use of all weapons and King Kartha Veeryarjuna killed him in a vulgar manner." 75.23

"Having heard of the killing of my father, which was incomparable and ruthless, out of great anger, I went on killing Kshatriyas, who were being born again and again as they were born and reborn. Having won the entire earth, at the end of a fire sacrifice, I gave it to sage Kashyapa who was doing meritorious acts. There after I am living on the Mahendra Mountains due to the power of great penance." 75.24-75.25

"Oh strong Rama with great valour, having heard about your great prowess, which led to the breaking of Shiva's bow, I have come here for the same purpose." 75.26

"Oh Rama, treating with respect the Dharma of Kshatriyas, take hold of this eminent and excellent bow belonging to Vishnu, which was inherited by me from my father and forefathers." 75.27

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, this great bow is capable of conquering cities as well as enemies. If it is possible by you, place an arrow on it, then I will engage you in fight." 75.28

This is the end of Seventy Fifth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 76
Parasurama's Pride Destruction

[Rama easily strings the bow, keeps an arrow in it and requests Parasurama to say whether the arrow should be used to destroy his feet or should it be used to destroy the result of his accumulated penances. Parasurama realizes that Rama is Vishnu himself and chooses the latter as he has to leave all countries he had given to sage Kashyapa. After destroying all penances by the arrow, Parasurama salutes Rama and goes to his abode in Mahendra Mountains.]

The son of Dasaratha, after hearing the words of son of Jamadagni, avoiding further conversation due to respect to his father told. 76.1

"Oh Bhrugu's son, I have listened to the great acts done by you. I am greatly appreciating the acts done by you to repay your debts to your father." 76.2

"Oh Bhargava, you have insulted me as if I am without valour and incompetent to perform the duties of a Kshatriya." 76.3

Rama, with speed and valour, having thus spoken angrily, grasped the bow and arrow from the hands of the son of Bhrugu clan." 76.4

After bending, pulling the string and keeping the arrow on it, the angry Rama asked the son of Jamadagni. 76.5

"You are Brahmin fit to be worshipped and you are worthy of homage through Viswamithra to me and so I do not have the power to release it to take your life." 76.6

"Oh Rama, I have decided to either destroy the movement by your feet or the power that you have earned by penance which is incomparable in this world; please tell me your choice." 76.7

"This celestial arrow of Vishnu either would conquer cities or destroy the pride and strength of a person; it will not go in vain." 76.8

To see Rama, holding that blessed weapon, devas and assembly of sages led by Lord Brahma as well as Gandharwas, Yakshas, Apasaras and Kinnaras, as well as Yakshas, Rakshasas and Nagas assembled in the sky. 76.9-76.10

When Rama stretched the divine bow, the world became benumbed; Rama, the son of Jamadagni, lost all his power and gazed at Rama. 76.11

Having lost all his prowess, power and having been made motionless, the son of Jamadagni spoke to Rama with eyes like petals of a lotus flower. 76.12

"Earlier, when I gave this earth, earned by me, to Kashyapa, he told me, "You should not live in my country." 76.13

"Oh Rama, since I have gifted the earth to Kashyapa, I assured him that I will not live here. Following the words of Guru, I am not living here during night time." 76.14

"Oh valorous Rama, for that reason, you should not destroy the power of my movement as I have to go with the speed of mind to the great Mountain Mahendra." 76.15

"Oh Rama, strike the unmatched worlds of penance that I have conquered with that divine arrow. Let there not be any delay in it." 76.16

"As soon as you stretched this bow, I have understood that you are the imperishable slayer of Madhu and the lord of all devas. Please be safe." 76.17

"All these crowds of devas, who have assembled here, know about your incomparable deeds. in combat, you are unassailable." 76.18

"Oh son of Kakustha dynasty, because I have been defeated by you, who are the lord of three worlds, I should not feel ashamed." 76.19

"Oh Rama, who does proper penance, it is only proper for you to release this incomparable arrow at me and after its release. I would go to the Mahendra Mountain." 76.20

When Rama, the son of famous Jamadagni, spoke thus, Rama, the son of Dasaratha, released that excellent arrow. 76.21

After seeing that the worlds of great penance earned by him were destroyed, that Parasurama speedily went to the excellent Mahendra Mountain. 76.22

Then all directions and semi directions were cleared of darkness; devas and sages praised Rama for wielding that bow. 76.23

Lord Parasurama, the son of Jamadagni, praised Rama, went round him and then went to his abode. 76.24

This is the end of Seventy Sixth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 77
Ayodhya Arrival

[After the departure of Parasurama, all of them continue their journey and arrive back Ayodhya. They are received with joy by people of Ayodhya.]

When Parasurama had gone, Rama, the son of Dasaratha, who had a peaceful mind, gave the unmatched bow and arrow to God Varuna. 77.1

Then Rama saluted Vasishta and other important saints. Seeing his scared father, that son of Raghu clan told him. 77.2

"Rama, the son of Jamadagni, has gone. Please give order to the four divisions of the army to march towards Ayodhya as its supreme commander. " 77.3

"Oh king, direct the army that is under your control, they are waiting for your order like a Chataka bird waiting for water." 77.4

Hearing the words of Rama that Parasurama has departed, Dasaratha was filled with joy, hugged his son, having done that smelt his forehead and felt as if his son has taken a rebirth. 77.5-77.6

He ordered his army to go speedily and when they reached the city, it was decorated by banners and flags, resounding with playing of Trumpets delightfully looking forward to the king's entry. The royal highways were sprinkled with water, with flowers strewn on them and auspicious musical instruments were being played. The city was filled with people who were waiting for the King to enter." 77.7-77.8

That great and famous King, followed by his elegant sons, entered the city where the citizens including Brahmins, who have come from a long distance, had gathered to welcome him and then he entered his home like the Himalaya Mountain. 77.9

The King, in house, was honoured by his relations. Kausalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi with the slender waist were busy in welcoming the brides along with the women of the royal house. 77.10-77.11

Thereafter, the wives of the King welcomed the highly fortunate Sita, the famous Urmila and the daughters of Kusadwaja in to their house. 77.12

All of them, holding auspicious substances and shining in their silk dresses, immediately went and worshipped Gods in temple. 77.13

Then, all those daughters of kings paid homage to all those worthy of being paid homage and went to their individual houses, which were like the house of Khubera. They gave cows and grains; satisfied great Brahmins. Then, they enjoyed the company of their husbands happily. 77.14-77.15

Those great sons, with no one comparable to them in the earth, in their valour and competent in use of arrows, along with their wives served their father and obeyed his commands." 77.16

After passage of some time, Dasaratha, the delight of Raghu clan, addressed Bharatha, the son of Kaikeyi, and told. 77.17

"Oh son, the heroic Yudhajit, who is the son of King of Kekaya and your maternal uncle, has come to take you to their home." 77.18

"Oh knower of Dharma, he has made the same request in Mithila when we were with great sages and it is only proper to make him happy by going with him." 77.19

Having heard the words of Dasaratha, Bharatha, the son of Kaikeyi, paid salutations to Dasaratha and Rama, embraced Lakshmana and together with Shatrugna started for the journey." 77.20-77.21

That valorous great man bid farewell from Dasaratha, Rama, who did jobs without any fatigue, and mothers; he departed with Shatrugna. 77.22

After the departure of Bharatha, the strong Rama and Lakshmana worshipped and served their god like father. 77.23

Obeying the orders of their father, they looked after the welfare and well being of their citizens. 77.24

They looked after their mothers and requirement of their mothers in a disciplined manner; supervised the welfare of their gurus and their needs at appropriate intervals." 77.25

Dasaratha started liking them very much for their good conduct and character; they were liked by the Brahmins and other citizens of the country. 77.26

Rama, who was truthful and greatly valorous, possessed many virtues and was famous; for the people of kingdom, he was like Lord Brahma to the living beings. 77.27

The sensitive Rama always fixed his mind on Sita, his heart being dedicated to her and several seasons went by. 77.28

Sita, being chosen by his father, became a darling to him and his affection towards her increased further due to her prettiness and great virtue. 77.29

For her, her husband acted doubly because they were communicating their thoughts revolving in their heart as well those born there. 77.30

In beauty, she was equal to Gods, who had assumed human form; she was also a personification of Goddess Lakshmi in wealth. Sita became especially dear to Rama because she was born in Mithila and the daughter of Janaka. 77.31

That Rama, being the son of the Royal sage and pretty every moment, united with the daughter of excellent King Janaka, shined like Indra, the King of devas and possessed joy like Lord Vishnu who was with Goddess Lakshmi. 77.32

This is the end of Seventy Seventh Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

End of Bala Kanda of Ramayana.


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