Prakarana 33

Verse 667 (चौपाई)

मिले जनकु दसरथु अति प्रीतीं। करि बैदिक लौकिक सब रीतीं।। मिलत महा दोउ राज बिराजे। उपमा खोजि खोजि कबि लाजे।। लही न कतहुँ हारि हियँ मानी। इन्ह सम एइ उपमा उर आनी।। सामध देखि देव अनुरागे। सुमन बरषि जसु गावन लागे।। जगु बिरंचि उपजावा जब तें। देखे सुने ब्याह बहु तब तें।। सकल भाँति सम साजु समाजू। सम समधी देखे हम आजू।। देव गिरा सुनि सुंदर साँची। प्रीति अलौकिक दुहु दिसि माची।। देत पाँवड़े अरघु सुहाए। सादर जनकु मंडपहिं ल्याए।।

Janaka and Dasharatha met with great affection, observing all Vedic and worldly customs. The two great kings met and shone in glory; poets, seeking comparisons, are put to shame. They found no comparison that satisfied the heart; they brought this simile to their minds: "Like these two." Seeing the alliance, the gods were filled with love; they rained flowers and began to sing praises. Since Brahma created the world, many weddings have been seen and heard since then. In every way, a similar arrangement and gathering, similar in-laws, we have seen today. Hearing the gods' words, the beautiful Sachi thought, "An extraordinary love has arisen on both sides." Janaka, with reverence, brought them into the pavilion, giving them seats and offering suitable gifts.

Verse 668 (छंद)

मंडपु बिलोकि बिचीत्र रचनाँ रुचिरताँ मुनि मन हरे।। निज पानि जनक सुजान सब कहुँ आनि सिंघासन धरे।। कुल इष्ट सरिस बसिष्ट पूजे बिनय करि आसिष लही। कौसिकहि पूजत परम प्रीति कि रीति तौ न परै कही।।

Gazing at the pavilion with its wondrous design, the sages' hearts were charmed by its beauty. Wise Janaka brought and placed a throne for each with his own hand. Vasishtha, like the family deity, was worshipped; with humility he received blessings. Vishvamitra was worshipped with supreme love; what manner of reverence can be spoken of?

Verse 669 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बामदेव आदिक रिषय पूजे मुदित महीस। दिए दिब्य आसन सबहि सब सन लही असीस।।320।।

Agastya and other sages were worshipped with joy by the king. He gave divine seats to all, and all received blessings.

Verse 670 (चौपाई)

बहुरि कीन्ह कोसलपति पूजा। जानि ईस सम भाउ न दूजा।। कीन्ह जोरि कर बिनय बड़ाई। कहि निज भाग्य बिभव बहुताई।। पूजे भूपति सकल बराती। समधि सम सादर सब भाँती।। आसन उचित दिए सब काहू। कहौं काह मूख एक उछाहू।। सकल बरात जनक सनमानी। दान मान बिनती बर बानी।। बिधि हरि हरु दिसिपति दिनराऊ। जे जानहिं रघुबीर प्रभाऊ।। कपट बिप्र बर बेष बनाएँ। कौतुक देखहिं अति सचु पाएँ।। पूजे जनक देव सम जानें। दिए सुआसन बिनु पहिचानें।।

Again the Lord of Kosala performed worship, knowing that there was no love equal to that of the Lord. He joined his hands and made great entreaty, telling of his own fortune and abundant splendor. The king honored all the wedding guests, with the same gladness and respect in every way. He gave suitable seats to all; what more can I say? My heart leaps up with joy. Janaka honored the entire wedding party with gifts, honor, entreaty, and gracious words. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the lords of the directions, and the sun, all who know the power of the Lord of the Raghus. They assumed the guise of brahmins, and beheld the wonder, finding it most true. Janaka worshiped them, knowing them as gods, and gave them fine seats without recognizing them.

Verse 671 (छंद)

पहिचान को केहि जान सबहिं अपान सुधि भोरी भई। आनंद कंदु बिलोकि दूलहु उभय दिसि आनँद मई।। सुर लखे राम सुजान पूजे मानसिक आसन दए। अवलोकि सीलु सुभाउ प्रभु को बिबुध मन प्रमुदित भए।।

Who could recognize them? All were lost in the thought of their own selves, and the night was far spent. Beholding the bridegroom, the very source of joy, both sides were filled with gladness. The gods beheld the wise Rama and worshiped him in their hearts, offering mental seats. Seeing the Lord's character and nature, the hearts of the sages were filled with delight.

Verse 672 (दोहा/सोरठा)

रामचंद्र मुख चंद्र छबि लोचन चारु चकोर। करत पान सादर सकल प्रेमु प्रमोदु न थोर।।321।।

Ramachandra's face had the loveliness of the moon, his eyes were beautiful as the chakora bird's. All partook of the betel with reverence; their love and joy were boundless.

Verse 673 (चौपाई)

समउ बिलोकि बसिष्ठ बोलाए। सादर सतानंदु सुनि आए।। बेगि कुअँरि अब आनहु जाई। चले मुदित मुनि आयसु पाई।। रानी सुनि उपरोहित बानी। प्रमुदित सखिन्ह समेत सयानी।। बिप्र बधू कुलबृद्ध बोलाईं। करि कुल रीति सुमंगल गाईं।। नारि बेष जे सुर बर बामा। सकल सुभायँ सुंदरी स्यामा।। तिन्हहि देखि सुखु पावहिं नारीं। बिनु पहिचानि प्रानहु ते प्यारीं।। बार बार सनमानहिं रानी। उमा रमा सारद सम जानी।। सीय सँवारि समाजु बनाई। मुदित मंडपहिं चलीं लवाई।।

Observing the time, Vasishtha called out; hearing him, Shatananda came with reverence. "Go quickly and bring the princess now." The sages departed, joyful at receiving the command. Hearing the words, the queens rejoiced, together with their wise companions. They called the brahmin ladies, the elders of the family, and following family custom, they sang auspicious songs. The goddesses who had taken the form of lovely women, all were beautiful and dark-hued by nature. Seeing them, the women found happiness; without recognizing them, they loved them more than life itself. The queens honored them again and again, knowing them as Uma, Rama, and Sharada. They adorned Sita and formed the procession; joyful, they led her to the pavilion.

Verse 674 (छंद)

चलि ल्याइ सीतहि सखीं सादर सजि सुमंगल भामिनीं। नवसप्त साजें सुंदरी सब मत्त कुंजर गामिनीं।। कल गान सुनि मुनि ध्यान त्यागहिं काम कोकिल लाजहीं। मंजीर नूपुर कलित कंकन ताल गती बर बाजहीं।।

Walking with her companions, they brought Sita with reverence; the lovely women were adorned with all auspicious ornaments. Seven hundred beautiful women went forth, their gait like that of rutting elephants. Hearing their singing, the sages gave up meditation; the cuckoos of love were put to shame. The anklets, bells, and bracelets on their wrists made music as they moved in graceful rhythm.

Verse 675 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सोहति बनिता बृंद महुँ सहज सुहावनि सीय। छबि ललना गन मध्य जनु सुषमा तिय कमनीय।।322।।

Sita shone among the assembly of women, lovely by nature. Her beauty was as the loveliness of a graceful woman amidst a host of maidens.

Verse 676 (चौपाई)

सिय सुंदरता बरनि न जाई। लघु मति बहुत मनोहरताई।। आवत दीखि बरातिन्ह सीता।।रूप रासि सब भाँति पुनीता।। सबहि मनहिं मन किए प्रनामा। देखि राम भए पूरनकामा।। हरषे दसरथ सुतन्ह समेता। कहि न जाइ उर आनँदु जेता।। सुर प्रनामु करि बरसहिं फूला। मुनि असीस धुनि मंगल मूला।। गान निसान कोलाहलु भारी। प्रेम प्रमोद मगन नर नारी।। एहि बिधि सीय मंडपहिं आई। प्रमुदित सांति पढ़हिं मुनिराई।। तेहि अवसर कर बिधि ब्यवहारू। दुहुँ कुलगुर सब कीन्ह अचारू।।

Sita's beauty cannot be described; my limited understanding cannot grasp her great loveliness. Seeing the wedding party approach, Sita appeared, a repository of beauty, pure in every way. All bowed in their hearts; beholding Rama, they became fulfilled in their desires. Dasharatha rejoiced together with his sons; the joy in his heart cannot be told. The gods rained flowers in homage, and the sages uttered blessings, the root of all auspiciousness. There was singing, the sound of drums, and a great clamor; men and women were immersed in love and delight. In this manner Sita came to the pavilion; the sages, filled with joy and peace, recited sacred verses. At that moment, carrying out the ritual procedure, the family gurus of both houses performed all the rites.

Verse 677 (छंद)

आचारु करि गुर गौरि गनपति मुदित बिप्र पुजावहीं। सुर प्रगटि पूजा लेहिं देहिं असीस अति सुखु पावहीं।। मधुपर्क मंगल द्रब्य जो जेहि समय मुनि मन महुँ चहैं। भरे कनक कोपर कलस सो सब लिएहिं परिचारक रहैं।।1।। कुल रीति प्रीति समेत रबि कहि देत सबु सादर कियो। एहि भाँति देव पुजाइ सीतहि सुभग सिंघासनु दियो।। सिय राम अवलोकनि परसपर प्रेम काहु न लखि परै।। मन बुद्धि बर बानी अगोचर प्रगट कबि कैसें करै।।2।।

Having performed the rites, the guru, Gauri, and Ganesh were worshipped by the joyful brahmins. The gods, manifest, accepted the worship and gave blessings; great happiness was obtained. Whatever auspicious articles, honey-offerings, and ritual objects the sages desired in their hearts at that time, golden vessels and jars were filled with them; the attendants stood ready with all. According to family custom and with affection, the sun was invoked; everything was done with reverence. In this manner the gods were worshipped, and a beautiful throne was given to Sita. The mutual love of Sita and Rama as they gazed upon each other cannot be perceived by anyone. It is beyond mind, intellect, speech, and the senses; how can any poet express it?

Verse 678 (दोहा/सोरठा)

होम समय तनु धरि अनलु अति सुख आहुति लेहिं। बिप्र बेष धरि बेद सब कहि बिबाह बिधि देहिं।।323।।

At the time of the fire sacrifice, the fire god assumed a body and accepted the offerings with great joy. Assuming the form of brahmins, the Vedas themselves recited all the wedding rituals.

Verse 679 (चौपाई)

जनक पाटमहिषी जग जानी। सीय मातु किमि जाइ बखानी।। सुजसु सुकृत सुख सुदंरताई। सब समेटि बिधि रची बनाई।। समउ जानि मुनिबरन्ह बोलाई। सुनत सुआसिनि सादर ल्याई।। जनक बाम दिसि सोह सुनयना। हिमगिरि संग बनि जनु मयना।। कनक कलस मनि कोपर रूरे। सुचि सुंगध मंगल जल पूरे।। निज कर मुदित रायँ अरु रानी। धरे राम के आगें आनी।। पढ़हिं बेद मुनि मंगल बानी। गगन सुमन झरि अवसरु जानी।। बरु बिलोकि दंपति अनुरागे। पाय पुनीत पखारन लागे।।

Janaka and his queen are known throughout the world; how can Sita, their mother, be adequately praised? Her good fame, merit, happiness, and beauty; Brahma gathered all these and fashioned her. Knowing the proper time, the great sages were summoned; hearing them, the married women brought the auspicious articles with reverence. On Janaka's left shone the fair-eyed one, like the moon appearing beside the Himalaya. Golden jars, jeweled vessels, beautiful and pure, filled with fragrant and auspicious water. With their own hands, the king and queen, filled with joy, took them and placed them before Rama. The sages recited the Vedas with auspicious words; knowing the moment had come, flowers rained from the sky. Beholding the couple's love, they began to wash their blessed feet.

Verse 680 (छंद)

लागे पखारन पाय पंकज प्रेम तन पुलकावली। नभ नगर गान निसान जय धुनि उमगि जनु चहुँ दिसि चली।। जे पद सरोज मनोज अरि उर सर सदैव बिराजहीं। जे सकृत सुमिरत बिमलता मन सकल कलि मल भाजहीं।।1।। जे परसि मुनिबनिता लही गति रही जो पातकमई। मकरंदु जिन्ह को संभु सिर सुचिता अवधि सुर बरनई।। करि मधुप मन मुनि जोगिजन जे सेइ अभिमत गति लहैं। ते पद पखारत भाग्यभाजनु जनकु जय जय सब कहै।।2।। बर कुअँरि करतल जोरि साखोचारु दोउ कुलगुर करैं। भयो पानिगहनु बिलोकि बिधि सुर मनुज मुनि आँनद भरैं।। सुखमूल दूलहु देखि दंपति पुलक तन हुलस्यो हियो। करि लोक बेद बिधानु कन्यादानु नृपभूषन कियो।।3।। हिमवंत जिमि गिरिजा महेसहि हरिहि श्री सागर दई। तिमि जनक रामहि सिय समरपी बिस्व कल कीरति नई।। क्यों करै बिनय बिदेहु कियो बिदेहु मूरति सावँरी। करि होम बिधिवत गाँठि जोरी होन लागी भावँरी।।4।।

He began to wash the lotus feet; love made his body thrill with horripilation. In the celestial city songs and victory drums resounded, as if rejoicing spread in all directions. Those lotus feet ever abide in the heart-lake of the enemy of the Love-god; by whose single remembrance the mind is purified and all the stains of the Kali age are destroyed. Whose touch the sage's wife attained salvation, though she was sinful; whose nectar Shambhu bears upon his head, which the gods ever praise. Whom the sages and yogins worship in their hearts, attaining their desired goal; those feet Janaka, the most fortunate, washed, while all cried victory, victory. The best of brahmins joined the palms of the prince and the maiden, performing the marriage rites as the family preceptor. Seeing the hand-clasping, Brahma, gods, men and sages were filled with joy. Seeing the bridegroom who is the root of bliss, the couple's bodies thrilled and their hearts rejoiced. Following the injunctions of the Vedas and the world, the ornament of kings performed the gift of the maiden. As Himavant gave Girija to Shiva, and Hari gave Sri to the ocean, so Janaka gave Sita to Rama, and a new fame spread through the world. How could he make entreaty? Videha acted as one bereft of body; he performed the sacrifice according to ritual, tied the knot, and the ceremony began.

Verse 681 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जय धुनि बंदी बेद धुनि मंगल गान निसान। सुनि हरषहिं बरषहिं बिबुध सुरतरु सुमन सुजान।।324।।

With victory cries, benedictions, Vedic chants, auspicious songs and drums, the wise gods rejoiced and rained down flowers from the heavenly trees.

Verse 682 (चौपाई)

कुअँरु कुअँरि कल भावँरि देहीं।।नयन लाभु सब सादर लेहीं।। जाइ न बरनि मनोहर जोरी। जो उपमा कछु कहौं सो थोरी।। राम सीय सुंदर प्रतिछाहीं। जगमगात मनि खंभन माहीं । मनहुँ मदन रति धरि बहु रूपा। देखत राम बिआहु अनूपा।। दरस लालसा सकुच न थोरी। प्रगटत दुरत बहोरि बहोरी।। भए मगन सब देखनिहारे। जनक समान अपान बिसारे।। प्रमुदित मुनिन्ह भावँरी फेरी। नेगसहित सब रीति निबेरीं।। राम सीय सिर सेंदुर देहीं। सोभा कहि न जाति बिधि केहीं।। अरुन पराग जलजु भरि नीकें। ससिहि भूष अहि लोभ अमी कें।। बहुरि बसिष्ठ दीन्ह अनुसासन। बरु दुलहिनि बैठे एक आसन।।

The prince and the maiden were overcome with bashful joy; they gazed at each other and respectfully accepted the sight. The charming union cannot be described; whatever simile I might offer would be insufficient. Rama and Sita appeared most beautiful, shining like gems among pillars. It was as if the Love-god and Rati had taken many forms, watching Rama's peerless wedding. There was no lack of longing or shyness in their glances; again and again they revealed themselves and withdrew. All the onlookers were entranced; like Janaka they forgot their own selves. The joyful sages completed the marriage ceremony with all its rituals and gifts. Rama and Sita applied vermilion to their heads; their splendor cannot be described by anyone. Like the red pollen of the lotus, the moon was adorned; the serpent was filled with longing for nectar. Then Vashishtha gave instruction, and the bride and bridegroom sat together on one seat.

Verse 683 (छंद)

बैठे बरासन रामु जानकि मुदित मन दसरथु भए। तनु पुलक पुनि पुनि देखि अपनें सुकृत सुरतरु फल नए।। भरि भुवन रहा उछाहु राम बिबाहु भा सबहीं कहा। केहि भाँति बरनि सिरात रसना एक यहु मंगलु महा।।1।। तब जनक पाइ बसिष्ठ आयसु ब्याह साज सँवारि कै। माँडवी श्रुतिकीरति उरमिला कुअँरि लईं हँकारि के।। कुसकेतु कन्या प्रथम जो गुन सील सुख सोभामई। सब रीति प्रीति समेत करि सो ब्याहि नृप भरतहि दई।।2।। जानकी लघु भगिनी सकल सुंदरि सिरोमनि जानि कै। सो तनय दीन्ही ब्याहि लखनहि सकल बिधि सनमानि कै।। जेहि नामु श्रुतकीरति सुलोचनि सुमुखि सब गुन आगरी। सो दई रिपुसूदनहि भूपति रूप सील उजागरी।।3।। अनुरुप बर दुलहिनि परस्पर लखि सकुच हियँ हरषहीं। सब मुदित सुंदरता सराहहिं सुमन सुर गन बरषहीं।। सुंदरी सुंदर बरन्ह सह सब एक मंडप राजहीं। जनु जीव उर चारिउ अवस्था बिमुन सहित बिराजहीं।।4।।

Rama and Janaki took their seats; Dasharatha's heart was glad, and his body thrilled again and again as he beheld the fresh fruit of his merit. The whole world was filled with exultation; everyone spoke only of Rama's wedding. How can the tongue describe this great auspicious event? Then Janaka, having obtained Vashishtha's command, prepared the marriage arrangements. He gave Mandavi, Shrutakirti and Urmila to the princes with great ceremony. The daughter of Kushadhvaja, endowed with virtue, modesty, joy and beauty, he gave in marriage to Bharata with all due honor and affection. Knowing her to be Janaki's younger sister, the crest-jewel of all beautiful women, he gave her to Lakshmana with all honor. She whose name was Shrutakirti, beautiful-eyed, lovely-faced, foremost in all virtues, he gave to the destroyer of enemies, whose beauty and virtue were renowned. Seeing the bridegrooms and brides well-matched, they felt both shyness and joy in their hearts. All rejoiced and praised their beauty, while the gods rained down flowers. The beautiful brides and handsome bridegrooms shone together in one pavilion, as if the four stages of life were present in the heart, with the sages.

Verse 684 (दोहा/सोरठा)

मुदित अवधपति सकल सुत बधुन्ह समेत निहारि। जनु पार महिपाल मनि क्रियन्ह सहित फल चारि।।325।।

The delighted lord of Ayodhya gazed upon all his sons together with their brides, as if a king beheld four wish-granting trees bearing fruit.

Verse 685 (चौपाई)

जसि रघुबीर ब्याह बिधि बरनी। सकल कुअँर ब्याहे तेहिं करनी।। कहि न जाइ कछु दाइज भूरी। रहा कनक मनि मंडपु पूरी।। कंबल बसन बिचित्र पटोरे। भाँति भाँति बहु मोल न थोरे।। गज रथ तुरग दास अरु दासी। धेनु अलंकृत कामदुहा सी।। बस्तु अनेक करिअ किमि लेखा। कहि न जाइ जानहिं जिन्ह देखा।। लोकपाल अवलोकि सिहाने। लीन्ह अवधपति सबु सुखु माने।। दीन्ह जाचकन्हि जो जेहि भावा। उबरा सो जनवासेहिं आवा।। तब कर जोरि जनकु मृदु बानी। बोले सब बरात सनमानी।।

Just as the wedding of the Hero of the Raghus has been described, so was the wedding of all the princes conducted. The gifts given were beyond telling, exceedingly abundant; the pavilion of gold and jewels remained full. Blankets, garments, and fine cloths of many kinds, in various sorts and of great value, were beyond counting. Elephants, chariots, horses, male and female servants, and cows adorned like wish-yielding cows of plenty. The objects were countless; how could one reckon them? They cannot be told; only those who saw them know. The guardians of the world looked on in wonder; the Lord of Ayodhya accepted all with joy. He gave to each seeker whatever pleased him; thus the wedding guests returned to their lodgings. Then Janaka, joining his palms, spoke gentle words, honoring all the wedding party.

Verse 686 (छंद)

सनमानि सकल बरात आदर दान बिनय बड़ाइ कै। प्रमुदित महा मुनि बृंद बंदे पूजि प्रेम लड़ाइ कै।। सिरु नाइ देव मनाइ सब सन कहत कर संपुट किएँ। सुर साधु चाहत भाउ सिंधु कि तोष जल अंजलि दिएँ।।1।। कर जोरि जनकु बहोरि बंधु समेत कोसलराय सों। बोले मनोहर बयन सानि सनेह सील सुभाय सों।। संबंध राजन रावरें हम बड़े अब सब बिधि भए। एहि राज साज समेत सेवक जानिबे बिनु गथ लए।।2।। ए दारिका परिचारिका करि पालिबीं करुना नई। अपराधु छमिबो बोलि पठए बहुत हौं ढीट्यो कई।। पुनि भानुकुलभूषन सकल सनमान निधि समधी किए। कहि जाति नहिं बिनती परस्पर प्रेम परिपूरन हिए।।3।। बृंदारका गन सुमन बरिसहिं राउ जनवासेहि चले। दुंदुभी जय धुनि बेद धुनि नभ नगर कौतूहल भले।। तब सखीं मंगल गान करत मुनीस आयसु पाइ कै। दूलह दुलहिनिन्ह सहित सुंदरि चलीं कोहबर ल्याइ कै।।4।।

Honoring the entire wedding party with reverence, gifts, humility, and great praise, the multitude of sages, filled with joy, offered worship with love and devotion. The gods bowed their heads and, having worshipped, said to all, with hands joined: "The gods and the sages desire that the ocean of affection be pleased; they offer water in their cupped palms." Janaka, joining his palms, again spoke to the King of Kosala, together with his kinsmen, in words that charmed the heart, with love, virtue, and good nature. "O King, we have now become your kinsmen in every way; consider us, with all this royal array, as your servants, without any reservation. These daughters will serve as attendants; raise them with fresh compassion. Pardon any faults; I have spoken much, and have been bold." Then, having honored all, the ornament of the solar race made the lord of treasures his kinsman. There was no need for speeches; their hearts were filled with mutual love. The hosts of gods rained flowers as the kings went to their lodgings. The sound of victory drums and Vedic chants filled the sky; the city was filled with wonder. Then, at the command of the lord of sages, the women sang auspicious songs, and the beautiful brides, with the bridegrooms, went to the wedding pavilion.

Verse 687 (दोहा/सोरठा)

पुनि पुनि रामहि चितव सिय सकुचति मनु सकुचै न। हरत मनोहर मीन छबि प्रेम पिआसे नैन।।326।।

Again and again Sita gazed upon Rama; her heart was shy, yet she did not feel shy. Her lovely eyes, thirsty with love, drank in the captivating beauty of his form.

Verse 688 (चौपाई)

स्याम सरीरु सुभायँ सुहावन। सोभा कोटि मनोज लजावन।। जावक जुत पद कमल सुहाए। मुनि मन मधुप रहत जिन्ह छाए।। पीत पुनीत मनोहर धोती। हरति बाल रबि दामिनि जोती।। कल किंकिनि कटि सूत्र मनोहर। बाहु बिसाल बिभूषन सुंदर।। पीत जनेउ महाछबि देई। कर मुद्रिका चोरि चितु लेई।। सोहत ब्याह साज सब साजे। उर आयत उरभूषन राजे।। पिअर उपरना काखासोती। दुहुँ आँचरन्हि लगे मनि मोती।। नयन कमल कल कुंडल काना। बदनु सकल सौंदर्ज निधाना।। सुंदर भृकुटि मनोहर नासा। भाल तिलकु रुचिरता निवासा।। सोहत मौरु मनोहर माथे। मंगलमय मुकुता मनि गाथे।।

His dark body was beautiful by nature; its splendor put millions of Love-gods to shame. His lotus feet were lovely with anklets; the minds of sages, like bees, ever hovered over them. His yellow, sacred, and lovely dhoti shone; it bore the beauty of the sun and the lightning. His waist was adorned with a charming girdle of tiny bells; his arms were broad and beautifully ornamented. His yellow sacred thread gave great beauty; the ring on his hand stole the heart. He shone adorned with all wedding ornaments; his chest was graced with a necklace. His upper garment was yellow; the borders of both garments were studded with pearls and jewels. His lotus eyes and ears were adorned with earrings; his face was the treasure-house of all beauty. His lovely brows and charming nose, his forehead with the tilak, were the abode of radiance. His lovely head was adorned with a crown; it was auspicious and studded with pearls and jewels.

Verse 689 (छंद)

गाथे महामनि मौर मंजुल अंग सब चित चोरहीं। पुर नारि सुर सुंदरीं बरहि बिलोकि सब तिन तोरहीं।। मनि बसन भूषन वारि आरति करहिं मंगल गावहिं। सुर सुमन बरिसहिं सूत मागध बंदि सुजसु सुनावहीं।।1।। कोहबरहिं आने कुँअर कुँअरि सुआसिनिन्ह सुख पाइ कै। अति प्रीति लौकिक रीति लागीं करन मंगल गाइ कै।। लहकौरि गौरि सिखाव रामहि सीय सन सारद कहैं। रनिवासु हास बिलास रस बस जन्म को फलु सब लहैं।।2।। निज पानि मनि महुँ देखिअति मूरति सुरूपनिधान की। चालति न भुजबल्ली बिलोकनि बिरह भय बस जानकी।। कौतुक बिनोद प्रमोदु प्रेमु न जाइ कहि जानहिं अलीं। बर कुअँरि सुंदर सकल सखीं लवाइ जनवासेहि चलीं।।3।। तेहि समय सुनिअ असीस जहँ तहँ नगर नभ आनँदु महा। चिरु जिअहुँ जोरीं चारु चारयो मुदित मन सबहीं कहा।। जोगीन्द्र सिद्ध मुनीस देव बिलोकि प्रभु दुंदुभि हनी। चले हरषि बरषि प्रसून निज निज लोक जय जय जय भनी।।4।।

The crown was studded with great jewels; his lovely limbs stole every heart. The women of the city and the beautiful goddesses gazed upon him and praised him, breaking all restraint. They offered arati with water, garments, and ornaments, and sang auspicious songs. The gods rained flowers; bards and panegyrists sang his glorious fame. The princes and princesses were brought to the wedding pavilion; the married women, filled with joy, performed the auspicious rites with great love, following worldly custom. The fair-complexioned women taught Rama and Sita; they spoke words of wisdom. In the women's quarters, filled with laughter, play, and the joy of love, they attained the fruit of their birth. In the jeweled mirrors in their hands, they gazed at the form, the treasure of beauty. Janaki, overcome by the fear of separation, could not lift her arms to look. The delight, the play, the joy, and the love cannot be told; only the women know. The beautiful brides, with all their friends, went to the wedding pavilion. At that time, hear the blessings that filled the city and the sky with great joy. "Live long!" they all said with joyful hearts; all four were embraced. The lords of yogis, the perfected ones, the lords of sages, and the gods, beholding the Lord, sounded the victory drums. They went forth in joy, raining flowers, and crying "Victory, victory, victory!" to their own worlds.

Verse 690 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सहित बधूटिन्ह कुअँर सब तब आए पितु पास। सोभा मंगल मोद भरि उमगेउ जनु जनवास।।327।।

Then all the princes together with their brides came to their fathers. Splendor, auspiciousness, and joy filled the city, as if it were the very abode of birth.

Verse 691 (चौपाई)

पुनि जेवनार भई बहु भाँती। पठए जनक बोलाइ बराती।। परत पाँवड़े बसन अनूपा। सुतन्ह समेत गवन कियो भूपा।। सादर सबके पाय पखारे। जथाजोगु पीढ़न्ह बैठारे।। धोए जनक अवधपति चरना। सीलु सनेहु जाइ नहिं बरना।। बहुरि राम पद पंकज धोए। जे हर हृदय कमल महुँ गोए।। तीनिउ भाई राम सम जानी। धोए चरन जनक निज पानी।। आसन उचित सबहि नृप दीन्हे। बोलि सूपकारी सब लीन्हे।। सादर लगे परन पनवारे। कनक कील मनि पान सँवारे।।

Then the wedding feast was held in many ways; Janaka sent and called the barat guests. They washed their feet and gave them peerless garments; the king performed the departure rites for his daughters as well. With respect he washed everyone's feet, and seated them according to their rank. Janaka washed the feet of the Lord of Ayodhya; his virtue and affection cannot be described. Again he washed the lotus feet of Rama, which remove the impurities from the lotus of the heart. He regarded the three brothers as equal to Rama, and washed their feet with his own hands. The king gave suitable seats to all, and spoke and accepted them all as his sons-in-law. With respect he began to honor his guests; he adorned them with golden ornaments and jewels.

Verse 692 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सूपोदन सुरभी सरपि सुंदर स्वादु पुनीत। छन महुँ सब कें परुसि गे चतुर सुआर बिनीत।।328।।

The food was fragrant, beautiful, delicious, and pure. In a moment the skilled and humble hosts served everything to all.

Verse 693 (चौपाई)

पंच कवल करि जेवन लअगे। गारि गान सुनि अति अनुरागे।। भाँति अनेक परे पकवाने। सुधा सरिस नहिं जाहिं बखाने।। परुसन लगे सुआर सुजाना। बिंजन बिबिध नाम को जाना।। चारि भाँति भोजन बिधि गाई। एक एक बिधि बरनि न जाई।। छरस रुचिर बिंजन बहु जाती। एक एक रस अगनित भाँती।। जेवँत देहिं मधुर धुनि गारी। लै लै नाम पुरुष अरु नारी।। समय सुहावनि गारि बिराजा। हँसत राउ सुनि सहित समाजा।। एहि बिधि सबहीं भौजनु कीन्हा। आदर सहित आचमनु दीन्हा।।

They took five morsels and began to eat; hearing the songs and music, they felt great delight. Many kinds of dishes were served, like nectar, beyond all description. The wise hosts began to serve them; the dishes were of many kinds, who can know their names? There were four types of food prepared; each one cannot be described. The dishes were of many kinds, delightful and tasty; each one had countless flavors. As they ate, they sang sweet songs; men and women took up the refrain. The time was beautiful, the singing was splendid; the king laughed to hear it, together with the assembly. In this way everyone took their meal; with respect they were given water for rinsing the mouth.

Verse 694 (दोहा/सोरठा)

देइ पान पूजे जनक दसरथु सहित समाज। जनवासेहि गवने मुदित सकल भूप सिरताज।।329।।

Janaka worshipped Dasharatha and the whole assembly with betel. All the kings, joyful, departed to their lodgings.