Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

323
Janaka
Janaka and Kusadhwaja fell prostrate before the sages overcome
with delight at their wish being fulfilled. “This is no ordinary
event. How fortunate we are that we have been blessed with this
consummation! How lucky that the sages agreed to this proposal
and eased the path. Sages will never encourage inauspicious
happenings. We shall reverentially obey all your commands,”
they said. (RKRV Part1 p.181-184)
Sage Vashishta fixes the Wedding day:
Vashishta then said, “No, why should we postpone these two
weddings to the day after or some later day! Tomorrow is
auspicious for all. It will be very good if all four weddings are
celebrated on the same day.” Janaka replied, “I am blessed,
indeed! Worthy Preceptor! Emperor Dasaratha has been, since
long, your disciple, executing whatever you commanded. We
brothers too, from this day, are your disciples. All our burdens
are on your shoulders; direct us how to proceed, how to act, we
shall unquestioningly follow.” They stood awaiting his reply,
with hands folded in utter humility and reverence. (RKRV Part1
p.184)
Dasaratha announces that he would perform the Nandi and
Samavarthana Rites:
At this, Dasaratha rose and said, “Ruler of Mithila! The virtues I
find in you two I cannot describe in words! You have made
excellent arrangements for the stay and reception of such a
magnificent array of Maharajas and Maharishis, as well as of the
vast mass of people who have thronged this City. I shall go back
to my residence now and carry on the rites of Nandi and
Samavarthana in full concordance with Vedic prescription.” The