Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

305
Janaka
Emperor Janaka asks about the arrangements and Rama’s
reply:
At this Emperor Janaka said, “Master! How fortunate are the
parents who have such Divinely endowed sons. Oh! How
fortunate am I that they stepped into my house, when the thought
spurred them.” He turned to Rama and Lakshmana and addressed
them, “Darlings! Pardon me if the residence I have arranged for
you is not quite to your liking or quite in keeping with your
status. If you so desire, I am ever ready to arrange a more
appropriate accommodation. If you like, I shall facilitate
‘sightseeing’ in the City for you are strangers to Mithila. Ask for
anything you require, without reservation. I shall feel happy only
when you so ask.” To those words spoken with exemplary
goodness and humility, Rama replied in a manner that revealed
the respect he liked to offer Janaka. He said, “Maharaja! We are
but boys. We do not feel anything wanting in the arrangements
made. We are quite happy. There is no need to take trouble
arranging somewhere else or something more, for us. If however,
you have such great affection towards us, you can fulfil one wish
that we have…” and without mentioning what it was, he turned
towards the Preceptor, Viswamitra.
Sage Viswamitra explains the Brothers are interested only in
seeing the Divine weapons of Janaka:
The sage then spoke, “Janaka, the mission on which these
Princes came with me from Ayodhya was over when the Yajna I
had resolved upon was accomplished without the least
desecration. Rama and Lakshmana pleaded for permission to
return home. Meanwhile, I received your invitation regarding the
Yajna you have decided upon. So, I asked these boys also to