Source page 199

All the dear women were submerged in the ocean of love, but at last they recovered great composure. The companions somehow completed the welcoming rite, restraining the flood from their eyes.

Lakshminidhi dismounted and helped all four princes descend from their horses. Taking Raghunandana by the hand, he led him into the palace.

Kings from every island sat near Janaka; the entire assembly of Nimi’s dynasty appeared radiant like portions of the gods.

Attendants called royal proclamations and kettledrums sounded in many ways. Great brocaded banners flew above mighty young elephants.

Raghunandana entered respectfully with Lakshmana and his other younger brothers and made obeisance. Seeing them, all the Nimivamsha rulers rose, and Janaka seated the princes nearby.

Neck-garlands, kohl-dark eyes, the sehra, and a jeweled crown adorned Rama. Seeing him dressed as bridegroom, the whole assembly of kings was delighted.

After remaining for a while in Janaka’s court, King Dasharatha’s darlings received the king’s permission, bowed their heads, and went to their mother-in-law.

There sat Queen Sunaina, cuckoo-voiced and the source of every happiness. Who could compare her even to Indrani? Her loveliness enchanted Rati herself.

Moon-faced women sat on every side; some waved fly-whisks, while others, beholding Rama’s beauty, sang auspicious songs of ārati.

Upon a carpet lay a cushion and above it a splendid seat. Queen Sunaina, wife of King Janaka, shone with the radiance of ten million moons.

At that moment Raghunandana entered in his heart-ensnaring bridegroom’s attire. Seeing him, the entire women’s palace rose; no one remained composed in body or mind.