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Sita's Swayamvar
315
The day of the Swayamvar came. Very early in the morning, the palace and the pavilion began to reverberate with the melodies of various musical instruments. The whole city was teeming with the visiting kings and princes. After making the necessary arrangements all the invitees came to the hall of the Swayamvar displaying their splendour, prosperity and power.
First of all, Chandragati entered the hall accompanied by Bhamandal. King Janak standing at the entrance received him with great honour. The other Vidyadhar kings and princes followed Chandragati into the hall. Then the other kings and princes entered the hall one by one. All sat in the seats reserved for them.
At the appointed time, in accordance with King Janak's orders, Sita entered the hall of the Swayamvar in a slow and dignified manner. Decorated with extraordinary garments and ornaments Sita seemed to be the veritable goddess of love and beauty come down to earth. Her beauty was such that it surpassed the graces of the most graceful of apsanasas. She came to the platform; worshipped the bows and then stood aside waiting for Shri Ram.
Bhamandal became deeply infatuated with Sita at the very first sight. He felt thrilled and delighted to see her. Every part and particle of his being was agitated by ardent passion. He kept staring at her with fixed eyes.
King Janak sat upon a high stage so that he could attract the attention of all and said, “Oh you Vidhyadhar kings! Oh you kings, princes, potentates and powers ! I extend a hearty welcome to you all to this Swayamvar. I, King Janak of Mithila proclaim that anyone who can lift at least one of the two bows lying on the platform and can fix an arrow to it will have the right to marry my darling daughter Sita".
After the King of Mithila made this announcement silence prevailed in the hall for sometime. There was no whispering or muttering anywhere. All were eager to see what would happen next. Though all knew what was going to happen they
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