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The Thirtieth Chapter
Then Brihatketu, the Vidyadhara, said, "Why is this being concealed? It should be revealed so that the Kumar may be disillusioned." (13)
Then they all told him the story in detail, their words faltering as they spoke of the Chandrayana. (14)
"We brought the girl's father here and earnestly requested her hand, but he said he had already promised her to Rama." (15)
"He defeated us all in a battle of words, and we decided to hold a contest of archery. Whoever could string the Dhanur Ratna would win the girl." (16)
"We set this condition because we thought Rama would not be able to string it, and you would win the girl. But the Dhanur Ratna, like a piece of meat offered to a hungry lion, was easily strung by Rama, who is blessed by virtue. Thus, the virtuous girl became Rama's wife in the Swayamvara." (17)
"She was a captivating woman, her heart-stealing words and youthful beauty filling her form. Her face was like the young moon, she was as beautiful as Lakshmi, and she was filled with love." (18-19)
"Those bows, Sagara Avarta and Vajra Avarta, were not like the bows of today. They were ancient, adorned with weapons like maces and ploughs, and were protected by the gods. Even the Garuda, the serpents, and the demons could not look at them. Yet, Rama and Lakshmana strung them, and Rama won the beautiful girl of the three worlds." (20-21)
"Even the gods could not forcibly take her now, and we, who are powerless without those bows, are even less able." (22)
"If you ask why she was not taken before Rama's Swayamvara, the answer is that Madhu, the king who is Ravana's father-in-law, is Janaka's friend. How could we have taken her while he was alive?" (23)
"Therefore, knowing all this, Kumar, be at peace. You are very virtuous, and even Indra cannot change what is destined to be." (24)