Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
evinced great anxiety on their behalf too. Dasaratha responded
most sympathetically; he spoke soothingly, trying his best to
allay the agitation of his mind. He said, “Janaka! We have no
daughters of our own. So, these are the daughters whom we
longed to fondle so long! They are both daughters and daughtersin-law
for us. There will not be anything wanting for them. All
things necessary for their joy and happiness will be provided. Do
not worry or grieve in the least. Return fully assured of our love
and affection for them.” Thus saying Dasaratha ordered his
chariot to halt.
Janaka alighted from the chariot of the Emperor and approached
the brides who were seated with the bridegrooms. He consoled
them in various ways to bear the pang of separation from the
home where they had been reared so lovingly. He imparted
courage, and quoted many Dharmic texts which enjoin loyalty to
the husband and the husband’s kith and kin. He reminded them
how they have to treat the servants of the household which each
of them was now entering. He accepted their respectful
prostrations and caressed them once again and blessed them.
When he turned his back on them to proceed to Mithila, he burst
into sobs. Nevertheless he ascended his chariot and moved
towards home. The chariots sped Ayodhya-wards and Mithilawards.
Very soon they were miles apart. (RKRV Part I p.191-
193)
Janaka in grief at the parting of his Divine Angel:
When Janaka reached Mithila, the apartments of the Palace were
empty, with no signs of life, no shine of joy, no sound of elation.
He could not be there even for an instant. Mithila was a City of
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