Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

309
Janaka
containing the box with the Bow was pulled and pushed into the
enclosure by a large band of hefty heavyweights; but they could
not even move it a step. So, more men of gigantic mould had to
be called in to lend their hands, dragging the heavy chains
attached to the vehicle and pushing it from behind. When at last
the Bow moved into the sacred enclosure, the priests recited
hymns of auspicious welcome.
Day dawned. The nine traditional musical instruments raised a
paean of harmony that rose to the vaults of heaven. Conches
were blown in peals. The auspiciousness of the day was declared
through song and ritual. Emperor Janaka entered the enclosure,
accompanied by a group of priests and with attendants carrying
materials for ceremonial worship of the Divine Bow. Long
before that moment, the enclosure was filled with kings, princes,
ministers, courtiers, sages and Vedic scholars. As soon as Janaka
came in, the entire gathering stood up in order to render honour
to the Ruler of the Realm. The Vedic pundits declaimed aloud
hymns invoking the Gods to shower Grace. Their voices rose up
to heaven in exclamatory unison. Others recited passages from
the Vedas. All were so filled with expectancy that they looked on
in wonder, without even a wink.
Janaka announces all to come forward to lift and string the
bow:
Janaka walked in reverence around the vehicle with the Bow,
and offered floral homage to it, while chants were recited to
propitiate it. He bowed before the Divine Bow, and then turned
to the distinguished assembly. He announced: “Prostrations to
the sages! I welcome all who have come to this assembly! Since