Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Janaka
Grief. Janaka sent for Sage Sathananda and the Ministers and in
order to free his mind a little from the upsurge of sorrow, he had
a number of items of business discussed and settled with them. In
the midst of the discussions, his mind would wander into sadness
again. He used to give replies unrelated to the problems raised.
At this, one minister said, “Oh King! The separation from Sita
seems to have caused great grief in your heart. No father can
escape this separation and this grief. Once she is gifted to the
bridegroom, the father’s duty is to reduce the attachment
gradually; this is a matter not unknown to your Majesty. And we
know that Sita is no ordinary maiden! She is a Divine Angel. So,
separation from her must cause you great agony. Oh King, the
daughters are Divine; and note, the sons-in-law too have Divine
Splendour. They appear to have descended from Heaven. In
Mithila, everyone, young and old, had that feeling and that
reverence towards them. It is really a wondrous coincidence that
such bridegrooms have been wedded to such brides, worthy in
every way, in physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual
characteristics, in status, wealth, power, family honour, dynastic
sanctity and religious faith. This cannot happen to all. Therefore,
the daughters will have happiness, without the least diminution.
Their lives will be filled with greater and greater joy as the years
roll by.” They recalled the grandeur of the marriage celebrations
and calmed the agitated mind of Janaka. They engaged
themselves in consoling him and restoring his equanimity and
mental peace. (RKRV Part I p.193-194)
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