Janaka Honours the Guests with Betel before They Depart
Bala Kanda, Doha 329
Doha 329 · Movement 2 of 2
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The meal closes with betel offered to Dasharatha and his entire company. The final gift refreshes the mouth and marks hospitality carried through to completion.
Janaka honours every king and member of the assembly before they rise. No guest is allowed to leave the feast as though merely fed.
Then the crowned rulers return joyfully to the guest quarters. The path reverses from banquet to lodging, but the relationship has changed. They carry the warmth of Janaka's personal service, shared laughter, and food prepared without measure. A royal feast becomes memory within the forming bond between Ayodhya and Mithila.
With betel and honour received, the wedding guests return satisfied through body, heart, and dignity.
Read the passage from the Manas
देइ पान पूजे जनक दसरथु सहित समाज। जनवासेहि गवने मुदित सकल भूप सिरताज।।329।।
Offering betel leaves, Janaka honored Dasharatha and his entire assembly. All those crowned kings then departed joyfully to the guest quarters.