Śrī Rāma Kalevā
Chhand
Victory to Ganapati, Girija, Girijapati, and the Mother who delights the world! Victory to Gurudeva and Kesharinandana, whose lotus feet bestow happiness! In Samvat 1902, upon Jyeshtha Dashahara, this incomparable work was begun in Ayodhya. How can I describe the strange and singular ways of love? Therefore I shall sing with delight the playful kalevā feast of Prince Rama: how Raghunandana ate the lovely meal in Janaka's palace, and how I shall relate every jest of his many sisters-in-law.
How could I fully describe the joyous wedding of Sita and Raghubara? The whole night passed in music, color, and celebration among the wedding party. At dawn Janaka quickly summoned his own prince. Hearing his father's command, Lakshminidhi came at once with his companions. Seeing Mithilesha, he respectfully bowed at his feet. “Son, go swiftly to the guest pavilion where Sri Avadhesha resides. Present this request to King Dasharatha, obtain his permission, and bring the four princes here to take their kalevā meal.”
Hearing this, Lakshminidhi bowed his head; his breast filled with delight. Accompanied by his companions and smiling gently, he mounted a spirited horse and set out.