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King Candragati received Janaka with warmth. He embraced him and offered him a seat and said, "O Noble king! the best amongst the Ksatriyas!, you are indeed fortunate to have a daughter, who is the epitome of beauty, modesty and intelligence. I have
21 learnt that you have already began a quest for an ideal match for your only daughter. My handsome son Bhamandala has youth, valour and all other excellent traits. I think their betrothal would intensify our friendship. Therefore, I request you to think over my proposal and accept it."
King Candragati being kidnaped
Janaka replied "Your proposal indeed would bring a tide of joy in any heart. I find no fault with your son, but I have seen the valour of Rama, the descendant of the first Tirthankara in the battlefield. Had it not been for his timely aid, I would have been slain long time back. I have promised Rama that my daughter would marry him. A woman belonging to noble Aryan family is engaged and married only once. In this contingency, I think Sita's betrothal to your son is a remote possibility."
The King replied, "O Janaka, we have a bond of mutual friendship and love between us. I wanted to add a new dimension to our friendship. I could have abducted Sita easily, if my son had so desired, but I am a man of ethics and understand your dilema. I have heard of Rama and his unmatched valour and now, I wish that Rama defeats us before marrying Sita. The celestial deities, who from their lofty abodes rule the earth, have gifted me with two bows. Their names are Vajravarta and Arnavāvarta respectively. They both are gaurded by dieties. I offer both of these bows to you. If Rama manages to lift and string them, give away Sita to him in marriage, and if he fails, then Sita will marry my son Bhamandala. He thus, somehow succeeded in making Janaka accept his proposal. As Janaka had no choice, he agreed. Then Candragati made arrangements for Janaka to return to Mithila. He followed Janaka alongwith his army and resided on the outskirts of Mithila.
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