Source page 198

“Srinidhi has gone to escort them and has brought all four royal sons— the colorful young heroes of Raghu’s line, beloved sons of King Dasharatha.

“Blessed is our fortune, dear friend; let us fill our eyes with their sight. Otherwise a vision of these bridegrooms, dearer than life, is very difficult to attain.

“Mithilesha’s Daughter has received supreme fortune and wedded blessing today: she has embraced to her heart that lovely dark embodiment of sweetness.”

Another companion said, “Listen, friend, a splendid opportunity has come. Let us all go to Janaka’s palace, laugh with them, and make them laugh.”

As the women softly exchanged these words, they fell under love’s sway. Compassionate Sri Rama heard them as he rode with his brothers and smiled.

The princes made their horses dance, filling the road with beauty while great kettledrums sounded. Attendants and heralds proclaimed their praises as they entered Janaka’s city.

Near the gate they saw lovely jeweled courtyards arrayed in splendor. There the intoxicated princes of Raghu’s line halted.

The married women of the city hurried to inform Sita’s mother. Golden vessels rested upon their heads, with auspicious leaves and rows of lamps.

Singing lovely songs of blessing and carrying golden trays, many beautifully arrayed women came to perform the welcoming rite for Raghubara.

But when they drew near and beheld Rama’s beauty, floods of joyful tears filled their eyes. They stood astonished wherever they were, gazing spellbound upon the bridegroom’s face.

Those colorful women became dyed in Rama’s beauty, seeing the entire treasury of bridal joy. No awareness of body or mind remained; who among them could perform the auspicious rite?