Ramayana, Epic of Rama, Prince of India

XI. Rama’s Return and Consecration - 152
Thither came the righteous Bharat and my loving mother came,
Longing in their hearts to take us to Ayodhya’s town of fame,
Dost thou, dear devoted Sita, see the Jumna in her might,
Where in Bharad-waja’s asram passed we, love, a happy night,
And the broad and ruddy Ganga sweeping in her regal pride,
Forest-dweller faithful Guha crossed us to the southern side,
Joy! joy! my gentle Sita! Fair Ayodhya looms above,
Ancient seat of Raghu’s empire, nest of Rama’s hope and love,
Bow, bow, to bright Ayodhya! Darksome did the exiles roam,
Now their weary toil is ended in their father’s ancient home!”
IV. Greetings
Message from returning Rama, Vanars to Ayodhya brought,
Righteous Bharat gave his mandate with a holy joy distraught:
“Let our city shrines and chaityas with a lofty music shake,
And our priests to bright Immortals grateful gifts and offerings make,
Bards, reciters of Puranas, minstrels versed in ancient song,
Women with their tuneful voices lays of sacred love prolong,
Let our queens and stately courtiers step in splendour and in state,
Chieftains with their marshalled forces range along the city gate,
[167] And our white-robed holy Brahmans hymns and sacred mantras sing,
Offer greetings to our brother, render homage to our king!”
Brave Satrughna heard his elder and his mandate duly kept:
“Be our great and sacred city levelled, cleansed, and duly swept,
And the grateful earth be sprinkled with the water from the well,
Strewn with parchéd rice and offering and with dower of sweetest smell,
On each turret tower and temple let our flags and colours wave,
On the gates of proud Ayodhya plant Ayodhya’s banners brave,
Gay festoons of flowering creeper home and street and dwelling line,
And in gold and glittering garment let the gladdened city shine!”