The king gives everyone a fitting seat and summons all the skilled cooks. Respectfully the betel attendants take their places, preparing betel in gem-set golden boxes.
Doha
The six flavors, fragrant ghee, and foods of pure and lovely taste— within moments the courteous, skillful cooks serve them all to everyone.
After taking the first five morsels, the guests begin their meal, listening lovingly to the songs of wedding taunts. Foods of many kinds are set before them, so nectar-like that their excellence cannot be told.
Wise cooks begin to serve, each one knowing the many dishes by name. The scripture describes four modes of eating, yet not even one can be fully portrayed. Six delicious flavors appear in many dishes, and every single flavor assumes countless forms.
Women and men call each person’s name in turn, singing wedding taunts in sweet melodies. At that lovely hour, the taunts themselves appear splendid; the king and his whole assembly laugh to hear them.
In this manner everyone completes the meal; water for rinsing is respectfully offered.
Doha
Janak gives betel and honors Dasharatha with his whole company; all the crowned kings joyfully return to the guest quarters.
Riddles
1. Thirty feet, yet it does not walk upon the earth; no ears, but thirty-six eyes. It protects you—offer your blessing to it.
Answer: Lord Surya.
2. “Cha-ka-ti” shines upon the face; “va-ra-na” rides upon “va-ga-ha.” With their consorts, says the poet Ganga, may the prince be blessed.
Explanation of the wordplay:
- Cha = Sudarshana chakra; ka = water-pot; ti = trident.
- Va = Brahma; ra = Rudra; na = Narayana.
- Va = bull; ga = Garuda; ha = swan.