(Arrival of Srirama at Mithila and the astonishment of King Janaka over
the charming stature of Srirama have been described in this episode. Please
read, comment and share. SDN)
VidEshanagaram gatwA rAjAdiBhihi krutAm pUjAm sweekrutya:
From the hermitage of sage Gautama, Vishwamitra, Srirama, Lakshmana and
other Rishis moved in the north-east direction. Srirama saw from a distance a
sprawling Yajna Shala — it is a separate temporary hall set up exclusively for
the performance of sacrifice with an altar for installing the sacred fire and
with provision for people to watch the performance of the sacrifice — that King
Janaka had set up. He could also hear the Vedic hymns that thousands of
Brahmins, who had come there from different directions and countries, were
reciting aloud. Sriramachandra, who is the Lord of Yajnas, the recipient of
offerings made into the Sacrificial Fire, was delighted and sat there in a very
sacred and highly purified place.
King Janaka came to know that great Sage Vishwamitra had come along
with two rare and divine boys. Accompanied by the priests and preceptors, King
Janaka rushed to the place and worshipped sage Vishwamitra. People who had come
from different countries, the local women, youth, elderly and children looked
at Srirama in utter bewilderment, without winking their eyes even once. In
accordance with their individual capacity and status, everyone honoured
Srirama, Lakshmana and Vishwamitra with devotion and affection. King Janaka
then told Vishwamitra:
“Oh Vishwamitra, I have taken the Deekasha — it is mandatory for
performers of the sacrifice to take Deeksha, which, once taken, forbids them
from indulging in certain routine activities and warrants adherence to strict
celibacy — for twelve days and pledged to complete this sacrifice. I am lucky
that you have come at this auspicious hour. I believe that I have secured all
the merits of performing this sacrifice just by seeing you.” Seeing
Sriramadeva, he spoke with great delight:
“Oh Vishwamitra, who are these boys standing obediently by your side?
His body has a celestial blue complexion that is reminiscent of a Gem. His eyes
are in light red like the central portion of a lotus. Shoulders are like those
of a lion and the chest is wide. His face is like full moon and the navel is
deep. His neck has three grains as seen on a Conch and his voice is firm and stoic.
His hands are long. He is young and energetic. He walks like a King Elephant
and his face is adorned with a pleasant and sweet smile. The entire universe is
astonished by seeing him. But, he does not seem to have been amazed by seeing
others around him. He is like Manmatha for women and is standing like a servant
in front of you. He appears like God of Death for enemies and Lord Hari for
Yogis. He is like a spectacle and festivity for everyone’s eyes. His speech is
limited but pregnant with meaning. I feel that this Earth does not deserve to
be touched by his soft and cool feet that look like fresh buds. Who is he
standing obediently with you? Who is the other boy standing beside him and
looking almost like his replica in form and characteristics?” (Vishwamitra’s reply in the next episode.)
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