Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

Page 45

The Childhood of Sita
23
none of them dared even to touch the formidable bow, which appeared to rival the Himalayas in weight.
Meanwhile brisk preparations for the sacrifice were in progress. Invitations were sent out to all courts and hermitages. Princes and sages soon began to arrive in large numbers. Among them was the proud and powerful royal sage Viswamitra, accompanied by Rama and Lakshmana, the illustrious sons of the King Dasaratha of Ayodhya. Janaka accorded them a reception of unsurpassed regal splendour. "O Gracious Sage! I am sure the sacrifice you were to perform at your ashram went off well,” said Janaka.
"Yes. These boys made it a success by slaying the demon Tadaka and by keeping a constant vigil at the ashram as I was in the midst of the oblations."
"Have you had a pleasant journey ?”
"Yes. On the way, we spent a night with Sumati, the King of Vesali. Then we proceeded to Gautama's deserted ashram, as the time had come for his errant wife's deliverance. The moment Rama set foot on the stone, to which she had been reduced under Gautama's curse, she emerged from it, as fresh and beautiful as ever, and presently arrived Gautama from somewhere. He accepted Ahalya who had been thus purified by the touch of Rama. Now we are here—in Mithila—and Rama is ready to try his strength with the Lord Shiva's bow."
"He will succeed, if Sita is lucky,” said Janaka. "For, great counsellor of the gods, what can please me more than to see my beloved daughter preside over an Ikshvaku home?"
The sacrifice was over, and Janaka impressed by the presence of an unprecedented number of princes announced that