Chapter
7 (d)
Winning Sita
Sudhama
took with him a group of courtiers and scholars and royal
priests; he got ready tastefully decorated chariots to
bring the Imperial Party and reached the Palace where
Dasaratha was staying. He submitted to him sweetly and
softly, the message he had brought, and with profound
obeisance, invited him to the palace of Janaka. Dasaratha
was ready; he moved out with his entourage and reached
the Durbar Hall of Janaka, very soon. They greeted each
other as befitted the occasion and their respective
status and occupied the seats laid for them.
Then Dasaratha rose and
said, "Janaka! For the Ikshvaku Dynasty, the sage
Vasishta is God on Earth! He is our supreme preceptor. He
can speak with full authority on the traditions of our
dynasty". As soon as Dasaratha sat down, Vasishta stood
before the assembly and spoke as
follows:
"Royal Sage! Listen,
all those who have assembled! Brahman, the Unmanifested
Supreme, the Eternal, the Pure, through the exercise of
Will created Marichi; Marichis son was Kasyapa and
his son was Surya; Suryas son was Manu, Manu had a
son named Vaivaswatha Manu; he ruled over the people and
earned the appellation, Prajapathi. ( See also S.B.
2.7)
A son lkshvaku was born
to him; he was the first overlord of Ayodhya; and so the
dynasty itself came to be called the Ikshvaku Line.
Ikshvakus son was Kukshi. Kukshi's son was named
Vikukshi. His son was Bana; Bana's son was Anaranya;
Anaranya had a son who was named Trisanku. Trisanku's son
was Dhundhumara, Dhundhumaras son was Yuvanaswa;
Mandhata was the son of Yuvanaswa; his son Susandhi had
two sons, Daivasandhi and Presenjit. The famous Bharata
was the son of Daivasandhi. Bharathas son was
Asitha; when Asitha was ruling the kingdom, a coalition
of the Haihayas, Thalajanghas and Sasibindus invaded the
realm and Asitha had to flee to the Himalayan region with
his two queens. He took refuge in the region called Bhrgu
Prasravana and after a few years passed away there
itself.
"Both his queens were
enceinte when he died. They sought asylum in the
hermitage of Chyavana who was filled with compassion at
their plight; he consoled them, saying, 'Mothers! Do not
entertain any fear. This is your very home. You will have
safe delivery; you will have strong splendour-filled
fortunate babies. His blessing came true. Within a
few days, the elder queen delivered a son named Sagara;
and, he was installed as the emperor of Ayodhya. "His son
was Asamanja, who had a son called Amsumantha;
Amsumantha's son was Dileepa, whose son was named
Bhagiratha. Bhagiratha begot Kakustha. Kakusthas
son was Raghu. Raghu had a son, Pravardha. Pravardha had
Sudarsana as son and Sudarsana, Agnivarna. Seeghraga was
the name of the son of Agnivarna. Maru was the name of
the son of Seeghraga. After him, the throne came from
father to son, to Prasusruka, Ambarisha and Nahusha, in
succession.
"Nahusha's son was
Yayathi and Yayathi's son was Nabhaga. Nabhaga had Aja
[compare with Chapter
2] as his
son. Dasaratha is the eldest son of Aja, and his four
sons, a precious jewel each one, are Rama, Lakshmana,
Bharatha and Satrughna. Rama, the eldest of the four,
raised, bent, strung and broke the Bow of
Siva.
"0 Royal Sage! This
royal dynasty is sacred and pure. Every one born in this
line has earned spiritual illumination and has shone in
spiritual splendour. They are rooted in righteousness,
and, withal, are in the front rank of heroes. Rama,
Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna are precious lamps that
shed luster on the annals of the clan.
"I must now suggest
that it would be desirable to have this auspicious
samskar of marriage celebrated for Lakshmana also, for he
is the reflection of Rama. Your daughter Urmila can well
shine as the spouse of Lakshmana. Do not hesitate;
resolve accordingly and make the necessary preparations".
Vasishta blessed the gathering and resumed his
seat.
After listening to the
narrative of the Ikshvaku Dynasty, from the lips of the
great sage Vasishta, Janaka rose from his throne and
said, "O Brahmarchi! When the scion of a noble clan
intends to gift his daughter in marriage, he has to
announce the historic glory of his clan, hasnt he?
I have resolved to follow your example and recite the
story myself, for it gives me great joy to recapitulate
the names of my forefathers and recall their majesty. My
birth with this body happened through the blessings of
forefathers of this dynasty. It will be justified and its
purpose fulfilled only if I describe them myself to this
vast gathering."
Janaka stood
prayerfully before all. Vasishta agreed with the request
and gave the permission sought. Janaka then began the
narration: "Brahmarshi! Revered Preceptors! Maharaja
Dasaratha! In the very distant past, there was an emperor
named Nimi who adhered firmly to the path of
righteousness, and who was therefore famous for might and
foresight. His son Mithi built this City, Mithila, to
serve as the capital for this kingdom. He was the first
sovereign of this region. His reign was very popular and
his subjects were happy and prosperous. His son,
Sudhavasu had a son Nandhivardhana who ruled after him.
Nandivardhana's son was Sukethu and Sukethus son
was Devaratha. Brhadratha was the son of Devaratha, and
Mahavira was the name of the son of Brahadratha. Mahavira
had as his name indicates, vast prowess. His son Sudhrthi
had a son called Dhrshtakethu. Dhrshtakethu's celebrated
son was Haryaswa; Haryaswa had a son named Maru; Maru's
son was Pratheendhaka; Pratheendhakas son was
Keerthiratha. Keerthiratha had a son named Devameedha.
Devameedha's son was Vibudha; Vibudhas son was
Keerthiratha; Keerthirathas son was Maharoma and
Maharoma's son was Hrswarupa. He was a talented ruler, a
strict adherent of Dharma. He was acclaimed as a Mahatma.
He is my father; I am indeed very happy to acknowledge
that my father was an ideal personage. The truth is I am
now ruling happily over this Mithila City as a result of
the merit acquired and handed down as heritage by my
forefathers.
"My brother Kusadhwaja
is much more to me than a brother. I revere him as a
divine personality. He is more of a friend to me than a
brother. I brought him up with such love and affection
that I have developed great attachment to him. Years ago,
when the King of Sankasya demanded that I should yield
the Bow of Shiva to him or else, meet him in battle, I
refused and he laid siege to Mithila City. This was the
signal for a bitter war between us during which Sudhanva
was killed and I made my brother the ruler of Sankasya.
That City is shining bright on the banks of the
Ikshumathi River. Seen from afar, it reminds one of the
Celestial Chariot of the Gods, famous as the Pushpaka
Vimana! Let me tell you now of another auspicious idea
that the Gods have inspired in me.
"I have brought him
here today so that he might share in the joy of the
wedding celebrations. Brahmarshi! You commanded that Rama
wed Sita and Lakshmana wed Urmila, the other daughter of
mine. I accept the command with immeasurable joy. Sita is
a celestial damsel and she will wed Rama as the
Heros Gift. I shall bow my head in all humility and
gladness and give away Urmila to Lakshmana.
"I have another
representation to make now for your consideration.
Maharaja Dasaratha! You have four sons all born of the
same heavenly gift of Grace. Why allow two to remain
single? It will contribute to our happiness fully if they
too are wedded. It is the asterism of Magha today. This
is a good day to commence the rites and have the
preliminary ceremonials. The day after, under the
asterism Uttaraphalguna, I seek your assent to gift the
two daughters of my brother, Mandavi to Bharatha and
Sruthakeerthi to Satrughna in marriage".
At this every one in
the huge gathering acclaimed the proposal, exclaiming,
"Subham!"
"Subham!" (Most
welcome! Most welcome!) Their applause rent the
sky.
When Emperor Janaka
made this suggestion about the marriages of both Bharatha
and Satrughna, the sages Vasishta, Vamadeva, Viswamitra
and others deliberated among themselves. Dasaratha was
easily persuaded to assent and then they informed Janaka
thus: "0 King! The two Royal clans the Ikshvaku and the
Videha, are filled with holy traditions, the sanctity of
which is beyond measurement. The greatness of these two
dynasties cannot be measured and described by anyone,
however learned or proficient. Dynasties of this status
or any that can be pronounced equal to them in nobility,
have not appeared on earth before. It is indeed a very
auspicious event that these two are now brought together
by these bonds of marriage.
"This is highly
appropriate, laudable and holy. In addition, we are glad
that the brides and grooms are fit in every way for each
other. Janaka! Your brother, Kusadhwaja is one who knows
and practices Dharma. It is really good that he too
should become related to Dasaratha through the marital
bond of his daughters. It is a source of immense joy.
Hence, we are ready to bless the marriages of his
daughters, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi with Bharatha and
Satrughna. Our wish is that these Royal dynasties should
be bound close by these marriages".
Janaka and Kusadhwaja
fell prostrate before the sages overcome with delight at
their wish being fulfilled. "This is no ordinary event.
How fortunate we are that we have been blessed with this
consummation! How lucky that the sages agreed to this
proposal and eased the path. Sages will never encourage
inauspicious happenings. We shall reverentially obey all
your commands", they said.
Vasishta then said,
"No, why should we postpone these two weddings to the day
after or some later day! Tomorrow is auspicious for all.
It will be very good if all four weddings are celebrated
on the same day". Janaka replied, "I am blessed, indeed!
Worthy Preceptor, Emperor Dasaratha has been, since long,
your disciple, executing whatever you commanded. We
brothers too, from this day, are your disciples. All our
burdens are on your shoulders; direct us how to proceed,
how to act, we shall unquestioningly follow". They stood
awaiting his reply, with hands folded in utter humility
and reverence. At this, Dasaratha rose and said, "Ruler
of Mithila! The virtues I find in you two I cannot
describe in words! You have made excellent arrangements
for the stay and reception of such a magnificent array of
Maharajas and Maharshis, as well as of the vast mass of
people who have thronged this City. I shall go back to my
residence now and carry on the rites of Nandi and
Samavarthana in full concordance with Vedic
prescription". The brothers honoured him duly as he
emerged from the hall and took leave of him at the main
entrance as befitted his status. They then went to their
own palaces to fulfill their assignments.
Dasaratha performed the
Nandi rite; very early in the day he made all the four
sons perform the Samavarthana rite. He fixed golden
ornaments on the horns of cows selected for being given
away to pious Brahmins, along with costly vessels for
milking them. It was a feast for the eye, the scene of
the boys giving the cows away! The citizens of Mithila
felt as if the deities of the four quarters were before
them with Brahma in their midst; the four sons around
Dasaratha appeared thus to them.
While this gift was
going on, Yudhajit, the Prince of Kaikeya, brother of
Queen Kaikeyi, the mother of Bharatha arrived. His father
was yearning to have his grandson, Bharatha, for some
time with him, and so he had hurried to Ayodhya, but he
learnt there that the Royal family had left for Mithila
for the marriage of Rama. His father, he said, had no
knowledge of the wedding of Rama. He too had no idea that
it was happening. So, he had come over to Mithila, since
he could witness the marriage and also communicate the
desire of the grandfather to have the grandson with him
for some time. Dasaratha was glad that he could
come.
That night, Dasaratha
spoke endearingly to his sons and others on a variety of
pleasant topics. No one in the camp slept. Every one was
impatiently awaiting the dawn of the happy day, when each
could witness the wedding ceremony of their dear princes.
Each one was overwhelmed with joy as if his own son was
the bridegroom or his own child the bride. Their Ananda
can be compared only to Brahmananda; that was the measure
of their love towards Rama and his brothers.
Early in the morning
Janaka proceeded to the special dais on which the rituals
of the wedding were to be gone through; he was
accompanied by a highly spiritual splendour-showering
group of sages. He then completed the preliminary rites
and was awaiting the arrival of the bride-grooms and
their parents and kinsmen. Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and
Satrughna had their ceremonial baths; they wore yellow
silken dresses; they had silk cloth wound round their
heads; they were bedecked with many ornaments studded
with diamonds and sapphires; they gave the impression
that they were alluring, heart-captivating Gods who had
come down from Heaven.
The auspicious hour
named Vijaya was drawing near and they approached the
dais preceded by musicians whose instruments struck up a
melody that reached the dome of Heaven. The Councilors of
the Court, the feudatory rulers, and their attendants
followed them carrying huge plates of jewels, silk
clothes, gold coins, and other auspicious articles
essential for the ceremony.
The populace gazed upon
their beauty and prowess, without even winking the eye;
they confided to each other that the dignity of their
bearing marked them out as Divine, and not human at all.
They exclaimed, "0, What charm! What a surge of beauty"!
Every one was filled with amazement. "They are denizens
of heaven come down on earth," they whispered among
themselves, as the bridegrooms passed between the thick
rows of onlookers. Women swore that they had never cast
their eyes on such charming princes. Every window and
terrace was packed to overflowing. At last, the Princes
reached the dais, and seated themselves.
Then Janaka and his
brother, Kusadhwaja, brought their daughters to the dais.
They had been given ceremonial baths and elaborately and
beautifully decorated as befitted brides on the wedding
day; they wore veils, and followed their fathers, with
thousands of maids following them, carrying fruits and
flowers, heaps of red and yellow cosmetic fragrants, rice
grains, jewels, and gems. It seemed as if the treasures
of Mithila were flowing in a full scintillating stream in
the wake of the wedding.
The four brides were
shining like magnificent lamps. They sat face to face,
Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna on one side and
opposite them, Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi. A
velvet cloth was held as a screen between. The residents
of Ayodhya and the nobles who had come from there sat
behind Dasaratha and the residents of Mithila and those
invited for the wedding ceremony by Janaka sat behind him
on the elevated dais.
The eyes of all were
drawn by the elaborate artistic and rich decorations
which distinguished the marriage shamiana. It was all
gold, silver and flower and silk and velvet, festoons and
flags, candelabras and columns, arches and finials. One
could not take the eye off any of these once it drew
ones attention. The vast area was filled to
overflowing with kinsmen and well-wishers. It looked as
if Mithila itself was experiencing the thrill of the
wedding and enjoying the celebrations as if they were her
own.
Soon, Dasaratha rose
and politely reminded the Preceptor Vasishta, "Why should
we delay?" Hearing this, Janaka stood before Vasishta
with folded arms, praying that he should himself
officiate at the ceremony.
Vasishta agreed and
with Viswamitra and Sathananda accompanying him, he lit
the sacrificial fire, in the centre of the dais, while
Vedic scholars and experts in Vedic recitation raised
their voices and repeated hymns appropriate for the
auspicious ceremony.
They arranged around
the Altar of Fire, golden plates decorated with flowers
and sandal paste, full of tender sprouts of nine species
of grains. There were also incense burners, sacred spoons
for offering oblations in the holy flames, golden water
pots, cups, and such other articles essential for the
rite. They spread the holy kusa grass thick on the floor,
so that it lay as level and as smooth as laid down in the
texts. Then, they began to pour oblations into the fire
while reciting the hymns which assure happiness and
prosperity to the brides and bridegrooms; every rite was
gone through with meticulous accuracy and correctitude.
The initiatory threads were tied on the wrists of the
Princes and princesses.
The next rite was the
rite of gifting the brides. Vasishta called upon Janaka
to come forward; he came near the Sacred Fire Enclosure,
dressed in regal splendour and wearing all the regal
jewels. As directed by the sage he held the hands of Sita
and placed them in the outstretched palms of Rama; his
eyes streamed tears of joy; coconut symbolizing
prosperity had already been placed in the palms of Rama
and after Sitas hands rested on it, milk was poured
on the hands by Janaka as part of the ceremony of
gifting. Janaka spoke these words to Rama at that time:
"Rama! Here is Sita, my daughter. She will tread your
Dharmic path from now on. Accept her. She brings
prosperity, peace and joy. Hold her hand with yours. She
is highly virtuous and true. From this moment, she will
follow you like your shadow, ever." With these words, he
poured water on the hands of Rama, to set the seal on the
gift
Then he came near where
Lakshmana was; he said, "Lakshmana! I am giving you this
bride, Urmila, accept her", and with the prescribed
mantras, he completed the ceremony of gifting her to the
bridegroom. Similarly, he approached Bharatha and
pronouncing the Vedic mantras traditionally used for the
wedding, he gifted Mandavi to him as his bride. In the
same manner Sruthakeerthi was gifted by him with the
pouring of holy water and Vedic recitation to Satrughna.
After this the scholars well versed in Vedic lore
completed the customary rites and rituals for drawing
upon the wedded couples the Grace of the Gods.
Then Janaka rose and
standing in the centre of the dais, he announced to the
bridegrooms, 'Darlings! Our daughters are to be installed
as mistresses of your households. The auspicious moment
has come". As soon as he said so, with the blessings and
approval of Vasishta, the four brothers held their brides
each by their hand and they circumambulated first the
sacred fire, and then Janaka and Vasishta the Preceptor,
and prostrated before them.
While they were doing
so, showers of flowers fell upon them; joyous music rose
from a galaxy of instruments. The distinguished gathering
acclaimed the moment and scattered rice grains on their
heads, wishing them all the best in life. The jubilation
with which they cheered "Subham! Subham", shook the sky.
It filled all ears with delight. The gods played divine
music in heaven; elysian drums were beaten in ecstatic
exaltation. The minstrels of heaven sang
hallelujahs.
On the dais, court
musicians sang the traditional wedding songs describing
the splendour of the marriage ceremony and extolling it
as on a par with the marriage of Lord Siva and Gauri.
They sang it in a rich variety of ragas and melodies,
filling the atmosphere with vibrations of delight. The
four brothers with their brides stood on the dais facing
the vast gathering, and bowed In acknowledgement of their
cheers and greetings: "May you be happy for ever", "May
everything auspicious be added unto you".
The brothers,
resplendent in their youth, heroism and beauty, proceeded
with their brides into enclosures behind the curtains
from where their mothers were watching the ceremony, so
that they might prostrate before them and be blessed by
them. Then, they returned to the palace allotted for the
stay of the Royal Party. From that day, for three days,
the populace witnessed a magnificent variety of ceremony
and festival, packed with joy and jubilee. The people of
Ayodhya who had come to Mithila as well as the
inhabitants of Mithila itself could not distinguish night
from day! It was festivity without
intermission.
The day after the
wedding, Viswamitra went to Dasaratha and told him that
the mission upon which he had resolved had been
fulfilled. He called the brothers close to him; he
fondled them very affectionately. He blessed them
profusely, and turning to Dasaratha, expressed his
intention to proceed to the Himalayan regions. At this,
Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna fell at the
sage's feet. Viswamitra then went to the palace of Janaka
and told him also that his desire had fructified
triumphantly! He blessed Janaka, and the brides, Sita,
Urmila, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi. He announced there too
that he was proceeding to the Himalayas. Dasaratha and
Janaka and many others of Ayodhya and Mithila were in a
fix; they could neither let the Sage depart, nor persuade
him to stay. At last, they laid at his feet their load of
gratitude and took the dust of his feet when he left,
blessing every one.
The third day, when
Dasaratha expressed his desire to leave for Ayodhya,
Janaka did not Interpose any obstacle, but made all
arrangements for their departure. He gathered the
courtiers and attendant maids that were to accompany the
brides; he collected and filled many chariots with the
articles that they had to take with them. He gave as
presents large numbers of elephants, chariots, horses and
cows. He presented to the sons-in-law jewels and precious
gems in plenty; also a vast variety of priceless gifts
that could be used in daily life. With the dawn of the
next day, the caparisoned chariots were ready for the
journey. The women of the court were in tears; indeed, to
speak the truth, all the women of the City were weeping
at the departure of the four dear princesses.
Unable to bear the
pangs of separation from Sita and Urmila, many nurses and
maids broke down with grief. The mothers held the hands
of the sons-in-law and prayed to them to treat their
daughters gently and with affection. "They know no
hardship or sorrow, they have grown up soft and tender,"
they pleaded in pathetic appeal. They wept as if they
were losing their very eyes. At last, they ascended the
chariots and moved off. The City was filled with gloom,
as much gloom as the ecstasy it was filled with for three
days Previous!
Janaka found it hard to
take leave of Sita; he tried his best to curb the flow of
tears; he accompanied Emperor Dasaratha for some distance
describing to him the virtues of Sita and pleading with
him to treat her with loving tenderness; with tears in
his eyes, he prayed that he may be informed frequently of
her welfare and happiness. He spoke also of the other
brides and evinced great anxiety on their behalf too.
Dasaratha responded most sympathetically; he spoke
soothingly, trying his best to allay the agitation of his
mind. He said, "Janaka! We have no daughters of our own.
So, these are the daughters whom we longed to fondle so
long! They are both daughters and daughters-in-law for
us. There will not be anything wanting for them; all
things necessary for their joy and happiness will be
provided. Do not worry or grieve in the least. Return
fully assured of our love and affection for them". Thus
saying Dasaratha ordered his chariot to halt.
Janaka alighted from
the chariot of the Emperor and approached the brides who
were seated with the bridegrooms. He consoled them in
various ways to bear the pang of separation from the home
where they had been reared so lovingly. He imparted
courage, and quoted many Dharmic texts which enjoin
loyalty to the husband and the husbands kith and
kin. He reminded them how they have to treat the servants
of the household which each of them was now entering. He
accepted their respectful prostrations and caressed them
once again and blessed them. When he turned his back on
them to proceed to Mithila, he burst into sobs;
nevertheless he ascended his chariot and moved towards
home. The chariots sped Ayodhya-wards and Mithila-wards;
very soon they were miles apart.
When Janaka reached
Mithila, the apartments of the Palace were empty, with no
sign of life, no shine of joy, no sound of elation. He
could not be there even for an instant. Mithila was a
City of Grief. Janaka sent for Sage Sathananda and the
Ministers and in order to free his mind a little from the
upsurge of sorrow, he had a number of items of business
discussed and settled with them. In the midst of the
discussions, his mind would wander into sadness again; he
used to give replies unrelated to the problems raised. At
this, one minister said, "0 King! The separation from
Sita seems to have caused great grief in your heart. No
father can escape this separation and this grief. Once
she is gifted to the bridegroom, the fathers duty
is to reduce the attachment gradually; this is a matter
not unknown to your Majesty. And, we know that Sita is no
ordinary maiden! She is a Divine Angel. So, separation
from her must cause you greater agony. 0 King! The
daughters are Divine; and, note, the sons-in-law too have
Divine Splendour! They appear to have descended from
Heaven. In Mithila, every one, young and old, had that
feeling, and that reverence towards them. It is really a
wondrous coincidence that such bridegrooms have been
wedded to such brides, worthy in every way, in physical,
mental, intellectual and spiritual characteristics, in
status, wealth, power, family honour, dynastic
sanctity and religious faith. This cannot happen to all.
Therefore, the daughters will have happiness, without the
least diminution. Their lives will be filled with greater
and greater joy as the years roll by". They recalled the
grandeur of the marriage celebrations and calmed the
agitated mind of Janaka. They engaged themselves in
consoling him and restoring his equanimity and mental
peace.
contents
of this Vahini
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