Sita Marries
The day Dasaratha asked his sons to perform VratSamvarthana that day Bharatha’s Uncle(Mother’s Brother) Yudajit Kaikeya Prince reached Mythila and paid respects to King Dasaratha and said “Hey King ! You are a well wisher of all, so all of us are doing and keeping well this my father had lovingly wanted me to convey the message. I came to see my sister’s son and came to Ayodhya . I came to know that all of you have come for Marriage to Mythila, hearing this I came here very fast”. King Dasaratha was happy as Yudajith was very dear Brother in law.Dasaratha honoured him and the courtsies were accorded to Yudajith.
Next day morning after completing his Daily Chores King Dasaratha accompanied by his family friends, ministers, Saints and Priests went to the Marriage Hall near the YagaShala. His sons after completing the Spiritual and Social obligations were adorned with dazzling Dresses, sat near Dasaratha and Saints& Priests as ordained by Kula Guru Vasishtaa. Then sage Vaishtaa came to King Janaka and said “ The Greatest amongst Kings! Ayodhya King after completing all the preliminary duties prior to marriage is keenly awaiting your convenience of performing KanyaDhaan( Daughter being given away to Groom). Those who give and those who receive are both Fortunately Privilleged , hence SakalaMangalam (May all Blessings and Auspicious happenings be showerd on you.). Please Perform the most apt Marriage and fulfill your Vow taken earlier. Janaka who is embodiment of Dharma and has a deep, solemn, sedate Behaviour heard it and replied Sage Vasishtaa“ who are the gaurds who can stop you in my Palace? To come here whose permission one should seek? Where is the Limitation for freely moving about in your own House? As much Liberty you have in Ayodhya, same Liberty don’t you have here in Mythila? i have completed all the relevant obligation for performing marriage of my 4 Daughters. They are radiating like the well Infalmmed Fire ie Dazzling with Radiance duly adorned by Unique Garments of differnts Colour ,shades and hue and are in Auspicious attire and are seated near the Fire Pit awaiting your arrival. I am ready. Iam awaiting your arrival. Why wait in front of the Palace? Please come with out wasting time and conduct the Marriage. Dasaratha entered the Marriage hall with a his sons, families, Friends , Relations, Ministers, Priests, Saints and entourages.
Janaka received them with proper courtsies and Portcol and offered them seats. And said “ Hey Great Saint! The Marriage of Sri Rama which will shower all the Blessings to all the Worlds , yourself and the other Priests and Saints may please come and conduct the same. Accordingly Sage Vasishtaa along with Saint Vishwamithra and Sage Sadhanandha organized the Vedic Rites site in the centre of the Marriage Hall as per the rules liad down in scriptures. Then he placed the following Sandalwood paste, Flowers,Golden plates, vessles, Kettle pots, Conch and other Vessles with the sprouted seeds,the vessels with Incense Sticks as well as Fragrance emanating vessels, Sruk ,Sruvam, (Akshadai)Raw Rice mixed with wet Turmeric ie Haldipowder,Rice seeds, Rice PopCorn,Arghyam, vessels with Water,were kept and it adorned the place. After that Same size Dharbhai(Kushal grass) were spread covering all of them and(Agni Prathishtai) invoking the Agni(Fire)Gods was done.
Then King Janaka brought Sita and made her stand in front of Sri Rama duly adorned with gold Jewels, and addressed Rama the child who everincreases Kaushalaya’s elation “She was named Sita as she was found from the earth,I have very affectionately and dearly brought her up as my daughter, have taught her all the Dharmas (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation), She will follow whatever Path you chose. I am giving Sita to you as your wife, please accept Her.
May SakalaMangalam (May all Blessings and Auspicious happenings) be showerd on you. With your Right Hand catch hold off her right hand. She will be a Great Pathivratha( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wiife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power).She is MahaBhagysaali(extremely Blessed and charmingly Great Good Fortunes),she will be a shadow unto you inseparable in Life.” This Janak spoke in Sanskrit Verses(Manthras) and pure water he poured in Rama’s Palm(hand). Then Rishis and Devas( Celestials) said ‘ Good Good’ and celebrated. Deva Dhundhubi instruments were played and the Flowers showered from the Sky”.
Then Janaka said “ Lakshmana ! Please accept(Panigrahanam) my daughter Urmila without wasting any time. MaySakalaMangalam (May all Blessings and Auspicious happenings) be showerd on you”.
Then he looked at Bharatha and said “Raghu nandana(Child of Raghu Dynasty) !, Please accept(Panigrahanam) my daughter Mandavi”.
Then he looked at Shatrugna and said “ Hey Warrior! Please accept(Panigrahanam) my daughter Shruthakeerthi”.
All of you so far observed Brahmacharya (Celibacy), you have pleasant Manners, please hereafter follow the Family man’s Life, do not delay.”
Immediately the 4 Princes with Sage Vasishtaas permission did Panigrahanam of the 4Princess.Then they circumbulated (Going around in clockwise direction) Agni(Fire),Janaka,Rishisandasper their own soothra did Agni Prathista (Invoking God Agni) and did Marriage Homa (offerings to God in the Homa Fire pit with Ghee, Samith etc reciting Manthras(Verses). At that time Devathas (Dieties from Sky) showered Flowers. Deva Dhundhubi instruments were played and the Flowers showered from the Sky” .Gandharvas and Apsaras(Angels) also played Music and sang melodiously. They played Auspicious Instruemnts like Nadaswaram, Veena, Flute, Mridhangam, gahtam, Thvul, kanjira etc. They happily danced with elan. These novel things happened during the marriage of the 4 sons of Dasaratha. Thus the 4 Princes with their consorts circumbulated thrice the HomaKunda (Agni Fire pit) and completed the Marriage Homa and went with their Royal and Loyal Consorts to the palace. Dasaratha along with Saints, Preists, Ministers was witnessing these gala function and was elated with joy. (Slokas 40)
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