Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

303
Janaka
his hands, while Sathananda and the entourage entered the sacred
residence. With the delight of gratitude he washed the feet of the
sage.
Then, Janaka fell at the feet of Viswamitra and stood by the side
of the high seat that had been placed in front of the pedestal for
the sage. As soon as Viswamitra directed him, Janaka occupied
his own seat. Rama and Lakshmana sat on the carpet laid to the
right of their Master. Janaka said, “Great sage! Now, what is
your command I am ready to accept and honour it. Please
communicate it to me.” Janaka folded his palms in prayer. At
this, Viswamitra smiled, and said, “Last night, since there was no
time I could not tell you in detail. I shall tell now about these
Princes, Rama and Lakshmana, since you desired to hear their
story. If you have no leisure now, I can tell you some other
time.” Janaka exclaimed, “Master! What more important work
have I than experiencing the ecstasy of conversing with you
This chance can be the fruit only of age-long austerity. I am
filled with Ananda at the expectation that you will tell me about
them. I consider it great good fortune.”
Janaka Experiences delight on hearing the heroics of Rama
and Lakshmana:
Viswamitra narrated the incidents that had taken place from his
appearance at the court of Dasaratha, up to the Yajna and the
heroic way in which the young boys had stood guard and foiled
the attempts of the demons to desecrate the rituals. He described
the bravery and skill of the boys in their battle against the
demons and praised their achievements. During the narration,
tears of joy and gratitude welled from the sage’s eyes and he had