Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
Uttaraphalguna, I seek your assent to gift the two daughters of
my brother, Mandavi to Bharatha and Sruthakeerthi to Satrughna
in marriage.”
At this everyone in the huge gathering acclaimed the proposal,
exclaiming, “Subham!” “Subham!” (Most welcome! Most
welcome!) Their applause rent the sky. When Emperor Janaka
made this suggestion about the marriages of both Bharatha and
Satrughna, the sages Vashishta, Vamadeva, Viswamitra and
others deliberated among themselves. Dasaratha was easily
persuaded to assent and then they informed Janaka thus: “Oh
King! The two Royal clans, the Ikshvaku and the Videha, are
filled with holy traditions, the sanctity of which is beyond
measurement. The greatness of these two dynasties cannot be
measured and described by anyone, however learned or
proficient. Dynasties of this status or any that can be pronounced
equal to them in nobility, have not appeared on earth before. It is
indeed a very auspicious event that these two are now brought
together by these bonds of marriage.
“This is highly appropriate, laudable and holy. In addition, we
are glad that the brides and grooms are fit in every way for each
other. Janaka! Your brother, Kusadhwaja is one who knows and
practises Dharma. It is really good that he too should become
related to Dasaratha through the marital bond of his daughters. It
is a source of immense joy. Hence, we are ready to bless the
marriages of his daughters, Mandavi and Sruthakeerthi with
Bharatha and Satrughna. Our wish is that these Royal dynasties
should be bound close by these marriages.”
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