Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
At this, Janaka said saluting Sathananda and standing with folded
hands, “Master! I received the assent of the Emperor Dasaratha,
last night. This is indeed a sign of extreme good fortune. My
younger brother Kusadhwaja is not present here now. He was all
these days very busy supplying provisions for the Yajna as and
when the high priests asked for them. I am reluctant to celebrate
this most auspicious ceremony without his being present by my
side. I do not want to deprive him of his share of joy. I have set
afoot plans to get him here quickly. I feel it would be best if we
fix the day and hour after his arrival.” Sathananda responded,
“Good! Good! That will make us all happy beyond calculation!”
With this, he left the palace.
Janaka sent messengers with instructions that they should bring
the brother to Mithila, with expedition. They found him in his
capital City, Sankasya, for, they were taken thither by fleetfooted
horses which sped faster than others. They reported to
him the developments at Mithila, in detail. Kusadhwaja was
overcome with the flood of Ananda that surged through him. He
collected his kith and kin, as well as his entourage, in great haste.
He had chariots loaded with gifts and presents, offerings and
precious materials.
He started off that very night and quickly reached Mithila.
Janaka hastened to meet him, for, he was counting the minutes
that were hurrying by. He clasped his brother in fond embrace.
He was filled with inexpressible delight. Kusadhwaja fell at the
feet of his elder brother. He prostrated before Sathananda, and
then all three sat on raised seats, in order to deliberate on the
further course of action. They consulted among themselves and
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