Love Binds the Wedding Party in Mithila
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 329
Doha 332 · Movement 1 of 2
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Janaka praises Dasharatha's affection, noble conduct, and splendid deeds. When the lord of Ayodhya asks leave to depart, the king of Mithila answers with fresh hospitality, as though another day of honour might persuade time itself to remain.
Each morning brings new festivities. A thousand forms of welcome flower across the city, and no one finds beauty in the thought of Dasharatha's departure. Days pass while the wedding party seems bound to Mithila by a cord woven entirely from love.
At last Vishwamitra and Shatananda gently counsel Janaka to grant the requested permission, though they know affection cannot simply be put aside. Janaka consents and summons his ministers. They enter with bowed heads and words of victory, while behind the ordered business of departure lies a city still holding its guests close.
The road to Ayodhya waits, but Mithila's cord of affection has not yet loosened.
Read the passage from the Manas
जनक सनेहु सीलु करतूती। नृपु सब भाँति सराह बिभूती।। दिन उठि बिदा अवधपति मागा। राखहिं जनकु सहित अनुरागा।। नित नूतन आदरु अधिकाई। दिन प्रति सहस भाँति पहुनाई।। नित नव नगर अनंद उछाहू। दसरथ गवनु सोहाइ न काहू।। बहुत दिवस बीते एहि भाँती। जनु सनेह रजु बँधे बराती।। कौसिक सतानंद तब जाई। कहा बिदेह नृपहि समुझाई।। अब दसरथ कहँ आयसु देहू। जद्यपि छाड़ि न सकहु सनेहू।। भलेहिं नाथ कहि सचिव बोलाए। कहि जय जीव सीस तिन्ह नाए।।
King Janaka praised Dasharatha's affection, noble character, and virtuous deeds, extolling his splendor in every way. When the lord of Ayodhya rose one morning and asked leave to depart, Janaka lovingly pressed him to remain. Each new day brought ever greater honor and respect, with hospitality displayed in a thousand fresh ways. The city blossomed with new festivities and joy each day, and no one could bear the thought of Dasharatha's departure. Many days passed in this manner, as though the wedding party were bound fast by the cords of affection. Then sages Kaushika and Satananda went to King Videha and gently counseled him. 'Now grant Dasharatha permission to leave, even though your love cannot bear to let him go.' The king said, 'Very well, my lord,' and summoned his ministers. They bowed their heads and greeted him with cries of 'Jaya! Long life to you!'