Entering Mithila

 The great Sage Vishwāmitra, Srī Rāma and Lakshmana walked towards the city of Mithilā. Stopping at the banks of the glorious Gangā, the Lord paid His respects to the holy River.

As the congregation of noble souls walked, They quickly drew nearer to the city of Mithilā. When their eyes fell upon Mithilā, Lord Rāma and His younger brother were greatly delighted at the sight of the beautiful city, adorned on all sides with flower gardens, orchards and groves full of blossoms and fruits. The air was abuzz with the harmonious sound of chirping birds.  Sage Vishwāmitra, pointing at a wonderful mango grove, suggested that they stop there for sometime. While the Sage rested, Srī Rāma and Lakshmana took the holy Sage's permission to explore the surroundings.

The citizens of Mithilā were enamoured by Srī Rāma and Lakshmana. Troops of boys followed them wherever they went, happy just to be in the presence of the Princes. Girls showered flowers on them. People left their businesses and ran out of their homes as the Brothers walked by. It was as though their eyes had been thirsting for such a sight for lifetimes together. Young women peeked at the young Prince Rāma and spoke amongst themselves about His matchless charm. Their intuitive wish was that Srī Rāma married Sītā so that He visits Mithilā again. Many women even wished to serve the Lord. They firmly believed that if at all anyone could break Lord Śiva's bow, it was the Prince of Ayodhyā. They yearned to see Him again. One girl said that she simply could not describe the Lord as “Speech was sightless and the eyes were mute."
Children could not resist squealing with delight and they chatted excitedly. Their enthusiasm knew no bounds. Srī Rāma and Lakshmana went wherever the children asked them to. This invoked even greater sentiment in their little hearts. Everything about the Lord captivated their hearts and put them under a spell of devotion from which they sought no relief; the spell itself was sheer bliss.
Meanwhile, King Janaka received the news of the arrival of the wise and noble Sage Vishwāmitra. Elated, he immediately hastened, accompanied by his faithful minister, numerous wise men and many others, to welcome his guest. Upon arriving at the grove, the King placed his head at the feet of the Sage, revelling in his presence.
At that moment, Srī Rāma and Lakshmana returned. Everyone was awestruck by Their beauty.
Beholding their lovely and charming appearance, King Janaka, finding his heart overwhelmed with love, exclaimed to the great Sage, “These two youngsters, striding like audacious elephants and arrogant lions, bearing a resemblance to adventurous tigers and bulls. Wielding quivers, swords, and bows, They are valorous like Vishnu. With their eyes broad like lotus-petals and with youthfulness they look like the exceptionally beautiful Ashwini Kumāras! Tell me, my Lord, are these two boys Brahman, the absolute, in dual form? Whose Sons are these valiant Princes who are brandishing the best of weapons? They resemble the sun and the moon and are similar to each other. My mind, which is dispassion itself in its natural form, is enraptured by their sight. These two boys, One who is dark and the other who is fair, are the delight of the delight itself!”
As Sage Vishwāmitra revealed their identities, the King gazed intently upon Them, particularly on Lord Rāma. His heart was overflowing with the feelings of love and his whole body jolted with the joy of Srī Rāma's presence.
After discussing with Shatānanda and Janaka, Rāma, Lakshmana and Sage Vishwāmitra stayed in a beautiful house in the City. Rāghava and Lakshmana served the Sage dutifully and then retired to bed.

To be continued...

Yours,

Hari Priye

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