Part 16

And hearing of Dacaratha's arrival, the auspicious king Janaka experienced great delight, and having obtained the aged king Dacaratha, he honored him duly.[94] And that best one (Janaka) spoke words unto that delighted chief of men. "Hath thy journey been a pleasant one, O best of men? By luck have I obtained thee, O descendant of Raghu. Do thou experience the joy earned by the prowess of thy sons. And by luck it is that I have obtained the highly energetic and worshipful saint Vashistha accompanied by the foremost regenerate ones, like him of an hundred sacrifices, by the celestials. By luck it is that I have overcome the obstacle; by luck it is that my race hath attained renown,in consequence of alliance with those endowed with prowess, the exceedingly potent Raghavas. O lord of men, to-morrow morning, after the completion of the sacrifice, do thou perform the nuptials, in company with the foremost of the saints." Hearing his speech in the midst of the saints, that best of those conversant with words, the lord of men, replied unto the monarch, saying,--"A gift should be accepted,--this I heard formerly. And what thou sayest, O thou cognizant of duty, will we accomplish." Hearing these words of the truthful (king), chiming in with morality and conducive to fame, the lord of Videha was filled with admiration. Then the ascetics experiencing great delight, passed the night happily in each other's company. And the king, overjoyed on beholding his sons, the Raghavas--passed (the night) in exceeding delight, splendidly entertained of Janaka. And the exceedingly energetic Janaka also, versed in men and things, having in accordance with the ordinance completed the sacrifice and performed all the preliminary rites relative to the nuptials of his daughters, reposed for the night.

[94] The text: _And hearing of Dasaratha's arrival, the auspicious king Janaka honored him duly; and having obtained the aged monarch Dasaratha, he being delighted experienced the excess of joy_.--T.

SECTION LXX.

Then next morning Janaka skilled in speech, having in company with the Maharshis performed his daily duties, addressed the priest Satananda, saying,--"My highly energetic, puissant and eminently righteous brother known by the name of Kusadhwaja dwelleth in the auspicious city, Sankacya, whose ramparts are ranged round with pointed weapons, and which is laved by the river Ikshumati, and which resembles the celestial regions or the aerial car, Pushpaka. I wish to see him, and he is in charge of my sacrifice. And that highly energetic one will partake with me the joy of this occasion." This having been said unto Satananda, some competent persons presented themselves; and Janaka commanded them (to set out) for Sankacya. And commanded by the monarch, off they went, mounting on fleet coursers, with the view of bringing over that best among men, like Vishnu at the mandate of Indra. And arriving at Sankacya, they presented themselves before Kucadhwaja, and faithfully delivered unto him the intention of Janaka. And hearing the tidings conveyed by those foremost of envoys endowed with great fleetness, Kucadhwaja set out at the mandate of the monarch. And on coming to Videha, he appeared before the high-souled Janaka addicted to righteousness. And saluting Satananda as well as the eminently virtuous Janaka, he sat down on an excellent and superb seat worthy of a king. And having been seated, both the heroic brothers of immeasurable splendour addressed that foremost of counsellors, Sudamana, saying,--"Go, foremost of counsellors, and speedily bring over the irrepressible Ikshwaku of immeasurable splendour along with his sons and ministers." Thereupon, repairing to the camp he saw that enhancer of the race of the Raghus, and saluting him with bended head, addressed him,--"O heroic lord of Ayodhya, Vaideha, the master of Mithila, hath wished to see thee along with thy priests." Hearing the words of that best of counsellors, the king accompanied by the saints and his adherents came to Janaka. And in company with his counsellors, and preists and adherents, the king-foremost of those skilled in speech--spoke unto Vaideha, saying,--"O mighty king, tbow knowest that the worshipful saint Vasishtha is the spiritual guide of our race; and in every ceremony that we undertake, he it is who serves the function of a spokesman. And permitted by Vicwamitra along with all the Maharshis, even this one of a righteous soul will relate my genealogy." And on Dacaratha resuming silence, the worshipful saint Vasishtha, versed in speech, spoke unto Vaideha in company with his priests, saying--"The perpetual, everlasting, and undeteriorating Brahma sprang from the Unmanifest (Brahma). From him sprang Maricha; and Kacyapa is son unto Maricha. And from Kacyapa sprung Vivaswat; and Manu is son unto Vivasvvat.[95] This Manu is otherwise called Prajipati; and Ikshwaku is Manu's son. And this Ikshwaku, thou must understand, was the first king of Ayodhya And Ikshwaku's son, it is well known, was the graceful Kukshi. And Kukshi's son was the graceful Vikukshi.[96] And Vikukshi's son was the exceedingly energetic and powerful Vana. And Vana's son was the highly energetic and powerful Anaranya. From Anaranya sprang Prithu; and from Prithu, Trisanku. And Trisanku's son was the highly famous Dhundumara. And from Dhundumara sprung the Maharatha, Yuvanacya. And from Yuvanacya sprung Mandhata, lord of earth. And Mandhata's son was the graceful Susandhi. And Susandhi's two sons were Dhruvasandhi and Prasenajit. And from Dhruvasandhi sprung the famous Bharata. And from Bharata sprung Asita; to fight whom were born as hostile kings, those heroes, the Haihayas, the Talajanghas, and the Sasavindas. And engaged in conflict with them, that king fled (from his kingdom); and repairing to the Himavat in company with his two consorts, the feeble Asita there paid his debt to Nature. The story runs that his two wives were in the family-way; and that with the intention of destroying the embryo of the other, one of them administered poison unto the former mixed in her food. And it came to pass that at this time, Bhrigu's son, the ascetic Chyavana, had become addicted to the romantic Himavat-- foremost of mountains. And here one of these exalted dames with eyes resembling lotus-petals, saluting Bhrigu's son shining like a celestial, desired of him an excellent son. And drawing near unto that sage, Kalindi saluted him. And that Vipra said unto her, who was desiring of having a son born of her,--"In thy womb, O exalted one, will be speedily born an excellent son mixed up with poison, highly powerful, and exceedingly energetic, and possessed of mighty strength, and graceful. Therefore, do thou not grieve, O thou of lotus-eyes." And having paid reverence unto Chyavana, that chaste and worshipful princess, although bereft of her husband, gave birth to a son. And since intending to destroy her foetus she that was co-wife with her had administered poison unto her, _Sagara_[97] was born together with the poison.

And Sagara's son was Asamanja,and Asamanja's Ancumat. And Dilipa was son unto Ancumat, and Bhagiratha unto Dilipa. And from Bhagiratha sprang Kakutstha, and from Kakutstha, Raghu. And Raghu's son was the puissant Pravridha, feeding on human flesh; and he came finally to be known by the name of Kalmashapada.[98] And from him sprung Sankhana. And Sudarcana was Sankhana's, and Agnivarna was Sudarcana's son. And Sighraga was Agnivarna's, and Maru was Sighraga's son. And Maru's son was Pracucruka, and from Pracucruka sprung Amvarisha. And Amvarisha's son was Nahusha, lord of earth. And Nahusha's son was Yayati, and Yayati's was Nabhaga. And Nabhaga's son was Aja, and from Aja sprung Dacaratha. And from this Dacaratha have come the brothers Rama and Lakshmana. And it is in the interests of Rama and Lakshmana belonging to the heroic and truthful and pious Sovereigns sprung in the Ikshwaku line, and possessing purity of race even from the time of their founder, that, O king, we solicit the hands of thy daughters. And, O foremost of men, it behoveth thee to confer like brides upon like bridegrooms."

[95] The Bengal Text reads: _From Maricha sprang Angiras; and his son was Prachetas; and Manu is Prachetas' son_.--T.

[96] The Bengal Text: _From Ikshwaku sprung Vikukshi_.--T

[97] _Gara, poison. Sagara_ means, _with poison_, i. e. here, _one born with poison_.--T.

[98] He incurred Vasishtha's curse, and was turned into Rakshasa. He took up water, intending to clear scores with Vasishtha; but at the request of his wife, desisted, pouring down the water at his own feet. Hence the name of Kalmashapada.-- T.

SECTION LXXI.

When Vasishtha had spoken thus, Janaka with clasped hands answered unto him, saying,--"It behoveth thee to listen unto our genealogy as related by myself. In the matter of disposal of daughters, O foremost of anchorets, one's own line should be described by one boasting of a noble ancestry. Do thou then, O mighty-minded one, listen to the same. There was a king famed over the three worlds by his own acts--Nimi--eminently pious and the foremost of those endowed with strength. And his son was named Mithi, and Mithi's son was Janaka. And from this king Janaka have we derived that word as applied to every one of us. And from Janaka sprang Udavasu; and Udavasu's son was the pious-souled Nandivardhana. And Nandivardhan's son was the heroic Suketu. And Suketu's son was the mighty and righteous Devarata. And the Rajarshi Devarata's son was Vrihadratha. And Vrihadratha's son was the heroic and puissant Mahavira. And Mahavira's son was Sudhriti, endowed with fortitude and having truth for prowess. And Sudhriti's son was the pious-spirited and eminently righteous Dhritaketu. And the Rajarshi Dhritaketu's son was Haryyacya. And Haryyacya's son was Maru; and Maru's son was Pratindhaka. And Pratindhaka's son was the righteous king Kirtiratha. And Kirtiratha* s son was Devamirha, and Devamirha's, Vibudha, and Vibudha's Mahidhraka. And Mahidhraka's son was king Kirtiratha endowed with great strength. And the Rajarshi Kirtiratha had Moharoma born unto him; and Moharoma, the virtuous Sarnaroma. And the Rajarshi Sarnaroma had Hraswaroma born unto him. And this high-souled king conversant with morality had two sons: the elder, myself, the younger, even my brother, the heroic Kucadhwaja. And installing in the kingdom myself, who was the elder son, and consigning unto my care Kucadhwaja, our father sought the forest. And on my aged sire ascending heaven, I righteously ruled the kingdom and cherished my brother Kucadhwaja resembling a celestial, with the eye of affection. And it came to pass that on one occasion a certain powerful king named Sudhanwa came from the city of Sankacya before Mithila intending to lay seige to it. And he sent word unto me, saying,--'Do thou give me the all-excellent bow of Siva, as well as thy daughter, the lotus-eyed Sita'. And in consequence of my not granting him either, king Sudhanwa, O Brahmarshi, entered into hostilities with me; but he was both defeated and slain by me in the encounter. And, O foremost of ascetics, slaying king Sudhanwa, I installed in Sankacya my heroic brother Kucadhwaja. This one, O mighty anchoret, is my younger brother, and I am his elder. O powerful ascetic, well pleased will I confer on thee these as thy daughters-in-law,--Sita on Rama, good betide thee, and Urmila on Lakshmana. And, I take oath thrice that, without doubt, I will with a glad heart confer upon thee, O potent ascetic, as thy daughters- in-law my second daughter Urmila and also Sita resembling the daughter of a celestial, having prowess assigned for her dower. Do thou now, O king, perform the ceremony _Godana_ of the nuptials of Rama and Lakshmana; and also perform their ancestral rites, good unto thee; and then complete the marriage ceremony. To-day the star Magha is on the ascendant. On the third day, my master, when the Phalguna will be on north, do thou, O monarch, perform the marriage ceremony. Do thou now, however, dispense gifts for invoking blessings upon Rama and Lakshmana."

SECTION LXXII.

When Vaideha had spoken thus, the mighty ascetic Vicwamitra in company with Vasishtha addressed that heroic king, saying,--"O puissant one, the lines of the Ikshwakus and the Vaidehas are exceedingly noble and incomparable. No other race can by any means compare with them. And, O monarch, this youthful union of Rama and Lakshmana with Sita! and Urmila is fit by all means; and it is worthy of their wealth of grace. Now do thou, O foremost of men, listen to my words. This youthful brother of thine, king Kucadhwaja, O thou versed in morality, this pious-souled one, O king, hath, O prime of men, a couple of daughters, unparalleled on earth in beauty, whom we would ask for, to become wives unto the prince Bharata and the intelligent Satrughna; as we, O king, ask for thine own daughters in the interests of those high-souled ones (Rama and Lakshmana). And these sons of Dacaratha are endeued with youth and beauty, resembling the Lokapalas, and possessed of the prowess of celestials. Therefore do thou, O foremost of sovereigns, by this alliance with both the brothers, bind the Ikshwaku race. And in this may thy mind never waver!" Hearing Vicwamitra's words embodying' the sentiments of Vasishtha, Janaka with clasped hands addressed both the potent ascetics, saying,--"I consider my line as blessed; since such puissant ascetics wish for such a desirable alliance. Whatever ye wish, even that shall be done, good betide ye. Let these daughters of Kucadhwaja together become the wives of Satrughna and Bharata. On the same day, O mighty Muni, let the four highly powerful princes espouse the hands of the four princesses. The learned consider bridal celebrated on the day succeeding those on which the Phalgunis are on the ascendant,--and having for its presiding deity Bhaga--as the most auspicious." Having said these amiable words, king Janaka arose, and with clasped hands addressed both the foremost of ascetics, saying,--"I have reaped high religious merit (by these nuptials), and I also am your disciple. And do ye, ye anchorets, occupy these best of thrones, (belonging to us). And even as this kingdom is unto Dacaratha, is Ayodhya unto myself. Do ye not therefore entertain any doubts as to your lordship. Do ye therefore do as it behoveth ye." And as Vaideha Janaka was speaking thus, Raghu's son, king Dacaratha, well pleased answered that monarch, saying, --"Countless are the excellences that pertain to ye brothers, lords of Mithila"; and saints and sovereigns are ever honored by ye,[99] auspiciousness be yours. Good betide ye, I will repair unto my own quarters, there to duly perform the Sraddha ceremonies." Then having greeted that king of men, the illustrious Dacaratha, placing those foremost of ascetics in his front, went away. And reaching his quarters, the king performed the Sraddha according to the ordinance, arose the next morning, and completed _Godana_ ceremony in consonance with the time. And to Brahmanas the monarch severally gave away kine by hundreds and by thousands, for the welfare of his sons. And that puissant one gave away unto the regenerate ones four hundred thousands of kine furnished with horns plated with gold, and each having her calf,--together with bell-metal vessels for milking them. And that descendant of Raghu addicted to his sons made presents of various other valuables unto the Brahmanas, on behalf of his sons. And having given away kine, the king surrounded by his sons looked like unto the amiable Prajapati[100] surrounded by the Lokapalas.

[99] The commentator here seems to be in fault. He explains,-- "By you have your royal ancestors been honored." Evidently an error. I differ from him. The particle _cha (and)_ makes the point clear.-- T.

[100] The Bengal text--_Like Prajapati himself_.-- T.

SECTION LXXII.

And it came to pass that the day on which the king made excellent presents of kine, the heroic Yudhajit, son unto the lord of the Kekayas and maternal uncle unto Bharata, presented himself before Dacaratha. And having seen the king and enquired after his welfare, he said unto him,--"The lord of the Kekayas hath from affection enquired after thy welfare, saying,--'They of whose peace thou art anxious, are at present well.' And, O foremost of kings, desirous of seeing my nephew (Bharata) that lord of earth repaired to Ayodhya, O descendant of Raghu. And learning at Ayodhya that thy sons for the purpose of marriage had, O monarch, come to Mithila with thyself, I have speedily hied hither, with the intention of seeing my sister's son."

Then king Dacaratha, on having that dear guest with him, rendered unto him all the respect that he deserved. Then having passed the night in company with his high-souled sons, that one versed in men and things arose in the morning, and having disposed of his daily duties, approached the entrance of the sacrificial ground, headed by the saints. Then at an auspicious moment called Vijaya, Rama with Vasishtha as well as other Maharshis at his head, and accompanied by his brothers adorned with various ornaments, who had all performed the rites relative to their nuptials, (approached the entrance of the sacrificial ground). Then the worshipful Vasishtha, coming unto Vaideha, spake as follows,--"King Dacaratha, O foremost of sovereigns--that chief among the best of men--accompanied with his sons, who have performed all the rites relative to their nuptials, stayeth the orders of the bestower (of the bride); for the meeting of the giver and the receiver is indispensable to every transaction (of this nature). Do thou therefore maintain thy merit by accomplishing this excellent nuptial ceremony." Thus addressed by the high-souled Vasishtha, that exceedingly generous and energetic one versed in morality answered, saying,--"Who acts as my warder there? And whose commands doth he stay? And what need of exercising judgment in entering one's own house? As this kingdom is mine, so it is verily thine. O foremost of anchorets, my daughters resembling flames of fire, having performed all the rites relative to the incoming nuptials, are at the foot of the dais; and, sitting beside the dais, I myself had been expecting thee every moment. Do thou perform everything without let. What need of delaying further?" Hearing those words uttered by Janaka, Dacaratha entered in together with his sons and the body of saints. Then unto the king of the Videhas, Vasishtha spake as follows,--"O saint, do thou, O pious one, in company with the saints perform, O master, the nuptial ceremonies of Rama charming unto all." Thereupon, saying,--"So be it" unto Janaka, the worshipful saint Vasishtha of mighty austerities with Vicwamitra and the pious Satananda in his front, constructed a dais agreeably to the scriptures, decking it out with fragrant flowers all around, and golden ladles, and variegated water- pots, and platters with ears of barley, and censers filled with _Dkupa_, and conchs, and sacrificial spoons, and vessels furnished with _Arghyas_, and those containing fried paddy, and sanctified _Akshatas_. And over the dais, Vasishtha with due _mantras_ and rites spread an awning consisting of _Darvas_ of equal proportions. And with prescribed rites and _mantras_ placing fire upon the dais, the highly energetic one commenced upon offering oblations. Then bringing Sita adorned with various ornaments near the fire, and placing her before Raghava, king Janaka addressed the enhancer of Kaucalya's joy, saying,--"This Sita, my daughter, do thou accept, good betide thee, as thy partner in the observance of every duty: do thou take her hand by thine. May she be of exalted piety, and devoted to her husband; ever following thee like thy shadow!" saying this, the king sprinkled Rama's palm with water sanctified with _mantras_; with the celestials and saints exclaiming,--"Excellent! Excellent!" And the celestial kettle-drums sounded, and blossoms began to shower down copiously. Having thus given away his daughter Sita, with water and _mantras_, king Janaka overflowing with delight, said,--"Come forward, O Lakshmana, good unto thee. Receive thou Urmila ready to be bestowed by me upon thee. Do thou accept her hand: let there be no delay about it." Having addressed Lakshmana thus, Janaka spake unto Bharata, saying,--"Do thou, O descendant of Raghu, take Mandavya's hand by thine own." And the righteous lord of Mithila spake also unto Satrughna, saying,--"Do thou, O thou of mighty arms, take Srutakirti's hand by thine own. May ye all be good, and vowed unto excellent life! and be, ye Kakutsthas, ye united with your wives. Let there be no delay about it." Hearing Janaka's speech, those four perpetuators of Raghu's line, staying by Vasishtha's opinions, taking the hands of the four brides with their owil, went round the sacrificial fire, and the dais, and the king, and the high-souled saints; and in company with their wives, agreeably to direction entered into matrimony in accordance with the ordinance. And there was a mighty shower of shining blossoms from the firmament accompanied with the sounds of celestial kettle-drums, and choiring and instrumental music. And the Apsaras danced and the Gandharbas sang melodiously, at the bridal of the foremost of the Raghus. And this seemed wonderful to witness. And to the blowing of trumpets, those exceedingly puissant ones, thrice going round the fire, in company with their wives went to the encampment. And the king,having seen that all the auspicious ceremonies were performed, went in their wake, accompanied by the sages and his adherents.

SECTION LXXIV.