Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Janaka
All longing to see the wedding started on the journey to
Mithila
The Emperor and the Imperial Escort, Vashishta the Royal
Preceptor, the Chief Priests and other Brahmins and Pundits,
ascended their chariots and took their seats. It was as if Ayodhya
itself was moving out to Mithila to witness the marriage. For all
who longed to join, Dasaratha made suitable arrangements. No
one eager to go was left behind! The horses seemed to share the
joy that filled the hearts of the inmates of the chariots; for, they
trotted fast, without slackening speed or showing signs of
exhaustion. Two nights and two days they spent on the road, and
the third night, they reached Mithila! (RKRV Part I p.173)
The men and women were filled with joy and jubilation at the
prospect of the marriage between Rama and Sita. They sang
many a song expressing their desire to see the marriage. In the
meantime, Dasaratha accompanied by his Queens, Ministers and
a host of others, arrived at Mithila. (SSB 1996 p.28-29)
Emperor Janaka welcomes Dasaratha
Maharaja Janaka welcomed Emperor Dasaratha at the very
Entrance Gate of his City. Emperor Janaka received them with
great courtesy and extended full hospitality 121 .He welcomed the
Ministers, Sages and Priests as befitted their position and status.
He arranged that they take rest for the night in allotted
residences. As soon as the day dawned, Dasaratha sent for the
Rithwiks (priests who have specialised in ritual lore), the queens
and the kinsmen, and alerted them to be ready and available the
121
SSB 1996 p.29
315