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the barbarians noticed the army led by young Rama and Lakṣmaṇa, they attacked it with vengeance. They assumed that they would defeat the young boys within no time and cause a panic among the soldiers.
Retreat of the barbarians
Rāma pulled the string of his bow, and when the enemy heard its reverbrating sound, their hearts were filled with awe and fear. Rāma now began to shower arrows on the enemy. The wounded and bleeding barbarians began to beat a hasty retreat. So far, the morale of Janaka's army was very low and they resembled timid rabbits or deers, but, when they witnessed the valour of Rama and Lakṣmaṇa, they too attacked the enemy like lions. The barbarians knew that if they slayed young princes, they could still win the war. Therefore, they attacked Rāma in union, but Rāma retaliated so strongly that the scene on the battlefield was changed. The woes turned into joy. When Janaka heard the cries of victory, he could not believe his own ears. The joy of Mithila knew no bounds. Suddenly, the city wore a new festive look. People burst into spontaneous celebration of the victory.
Impressed with the valour of Rama, Janaka announced that his young princess Sitā would be married to Rāma. In Rama, King Janaka found both, a protector of Jain Shrines and an ideal son-in law. Incidentally, we must remember that Rama had gone to Mithila not to marry but to protect the shrines. His devotion to his father made him shoulder such a great task. Rāma was a noble soul. As such, he coudn't bear the aggressions and vandalization of the places of worship. He fought to protect and uphold the true dharma. The spirit of valour that Rama exibited at Mithila was so noble and selfless that Emperor Janaka found an ideal match for his daughter in Rama.
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King Janaka's kidnaping
The learned Indian sages and seers always believe that the transitory world is an illusion. It is full of sorrows and worries. A soul, when it assumes a garb known as corporal body, mainly worries about his own existence, life, death, about his self and about others. He worries about his own safety and safety of his beloved people. Only the ascetics and mendicants who renounce the material world are the most carefree people.
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The world, with its illusive nature, tempts and entices even the most learned. Emperor Janaka was an enlightened soul, yet he was worried for the safety of his kingdom and people and the wellbeing of his daughter Sita. His announcement of Sita's engagement brought a new set of troubles.
The news of the engagement suddenly brought Sita in limelight. Everywhere, discussions about her radiating beauty, intelligence and good nature began. When the divine sage Narada heard them, he too was curious to see Sita. The sage Narada is known for his celibacy. His being, his speech and heart bear ample testimony of his virtues and therefore, he is equally honoured at the royal court as well as in the harems. Nārada wanted to have a look at Sītā, purely out of curiosity. He therefore walked straight into her chamber.
Sita so far had only heard about the divine sage, therefore, she was terrified when she saw him in person. His thin body, heavy belly, yellow hair and a long tuft on his head, his scant clothing and dreamy eyes scared Sita to such an extent that she began to shiver and screamed, "O Mother, Please hurry up and save me ! There is a stranger in my chamber." The royal bodyguards, servants, maids, gate-keepers and soldiers ran when they heard her screams. Together, they pounced upon the divine sage. One grabbed his throat and another pulled his tuft. Some began to rain blows on him, some kicked him hard. The sage Narada somehow managed to escape from their clutches and flew towards the summit of mount Vaitaḍhya. On reaching there, he sighed with relief and began to think of what had transpired. He thought, 'Like a lonely cow surrounded by hungry lions, I was assaulted by the savage servants of Janaka. They attacked me without even ascertaining my identity. Sita is the rootcause of all my troubles and I must take a revenge.'
He further thought, 'I shall draw a beautiful picture of Sita on a silken scroll and show it to prince Bhamandala, the worthy son of King Candragati, who rules southern ranges of this mountain. On seeing www.jainelibrary.org
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