Janaka Goes Out to Meet the Sage
Bala Kanda, Doha 214
Doha 214 · Movement 2 of 2
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Joyful at Vishwamitra's arrival, Janaka does not wait inside the palace for the sage to be conducted before him. He sets out personally toward the grove.
Ministers, valiant warriors, noble brahmins, guru, and kinsmen accompany the king. Royal authority, sacred learning, family, and military strength move together in an ordered procession.
The purpose is welcome rather than display. Mithila's ruler goes to receive the lord of sages, unaware that the two youths nearby will overturn even his deeply established detachment and bring the hidden future of Sita into view. Joy quickens the whole procession.
Janaka leaves his splendid palace to greet a sage and approaches the sight that will unmake his detachment.
Read the passage from the Manas
संग सचिव सुचि भूरि भट भूसुर बर गुर ग्याति। चले मिलन मुनिनायकहि मुदित राउ एहि भाँति।।214।।
Accompanied by his ministers, many valiant warriors, noble Brahmins, his guru, and his kinsmen, the joyful king set forth in this manner to receive the lord of sages.