Ayodhya in the Ramcharitmanas

I bow to the city of Ayodhya, exceedingly holy, and to the river Sarayu, which destroys the stains of the Kali age. Then I pay homage to the men and women of the city, for whom the Lord had no small affection. The slanderers of Sita he…

Rama gave refuge to both Sugriva and Vibhishana, as everyone knows. His Name has favored countless poor and helpless souls; its excellent fame shines forth in the world and in the Vedas. Rama gathered an army of bears and monkeys, and the…

Having thus driven away every doubt, and placing on my head the dust of my guru's lotus feet, I then entreat all of you with folded hands, so that no blemish may attach to the telling of this story. Now, bowing my head reverently to Shiva…

The Vedas and Puranas declare that seeing it, touching it, bathing in it and drinking of it all take away sin. This holy river's glory is boundless and exceedingly great; even Sharada, of spotless intellect, cannot describe it. The lovely…

The three kinds of listeners in the assembly are the towns, villages and cities on the two banks of the river; and the assembly of saints is the incomparable Ayodhya, the root of all that is auspicious.

Thinking thus, I lay bare my own delusion; Lord, take pity on your servant and remove it. The power of Rama's name is boundless; the saints, the Puranas and the Upanishads sing of it. The imperishable Shambhu, Lord Shiva, the storehouse of…

O abode of bliss, if you are pleased with me, and truly know me to be your own handmaid, then, my lord, remove my ignorance by telling the story of Rama in its many ways. He whose house stands beneath the tree of paradise, can he ever…

The ignorant do not understand their own delusion, and these dull creatures lay the charge of delusion upon the Lord. Just as, seeing the sky covered with a veil of clouds, men of wrong understanding say that the sun is covered. And as one…

There, my child, enjoy vast pleasures, and when some time has passed, you will be born as the king of Ayodhya; then I will become your son.

All the gods went to their own abodes, and the Earth too, her mind at rest. Whatever command Brahma had given, the gods rejoiced to obey it and made no delay. They took the bodies of forest-dwellers on the earth, and they possessed…

Kaikeyi, the daughter of the king of Kekaya, and Sumitra too each gave birth to a beautiful son. Neither Sarasvati nor Shesha, the king of serpents, could tell of that joy, that wealth, that season and that gathering. The city of Ayodhya…

Send messengers to Ayodhya, that they may go and invite King Dasharatha and bring him here. The king was delighted and said, "Very well, gracious sir," and at that moment he summoned messengers and sent them off. Then he called together…

Hearing the news, the chief of the Bhrigus came in anger, and in many ways he glared at them with fierce eyes. Seeing Rama's strength, Parashurama gave Rama his own bow, and after making many humble entreaties he departed to the forest. O…

Saying this, they set out dressed in garments of many kinds, and with joy they beat the drums, which resounded loudly. All the people received the news, and in every house the rejoicing and congratulations began. The fourteen worlds were…

Then a great feast was prepared in many kinds of dishes, and Janaka sent and called the wedding guests. Incomparable cloths were spread along the path as welcoming carpets, and the king went forth together with his sons. With respect he…

"The lord of Ayodhya wishes to depart; let word of it be sent into the inner apartments." Hearing this, the ministers, the Brahmans, the members of the assembly, and the king himself were overcome with love.

Having arranged all the equipage in this manner, Janaka sent it off to Ayodhya. Hearing that the wedding procession would depart, all the queens became distraught, like shoals of fish in a little water. Again and again they took Sita into…

Seeing the beauty of Rama, the queens were filled with deep love, and overcome by affection they fell at his feet again and again. No shame remained in them, for love filled their hearts. How can such natural affection be described? They…

The gods rained down flowers in joy, and the celestial nymphs sang. The lord of Ayodhya set out for his city, glad at heart, with the drums sounding.

Halting at pleasant places along the way, and giving joy to the people on the road, the wedding procession, on an auspicious day, arrived near Ayodhya.