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BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND EXILE OF RĀMA AND LAKŞMAŅA 193
enemies' soldiers taken by force, accompanied by innumerable attendants. King Janaka went to his own city. For when the wise know it.is the right time, they do not delay. King Daśaratha conquered the Lord of Magadha and remained there, but did not go to Ayodhyā because of fear. The king had his own harem, Aparājitā and others, brought there. The kingdom of the powerful is everywhere. Sporting with the queens, the king remained there in the city for a long time. For the earth itself is gained especially for the delight of kings.
Birth of Padma (Rāma) and Lakşmaņa (1775-193)
Then Aparajitā one day saw the elephant, lion, moon, and sun in a dream, which indicated the birth of a Bala, in the last part of the night. Then a powerful god fell from Brahmaloka and descended into her womb like a marāla into a lotus-bed. Then Aparājitā bore a son with all the favorable marks resembling a white lotus in color, a white lotus among men. The king rejoiced exceedingly at the sight of this lotus, the jewel of a first son, like the ocean at the sight of the full moon. The king gave gifts to beggars, like a wishing-gem. For imperishable gifts are the custom of the people, when a son is born. Then the people made a great festival themselves, for they rejoiced more than King Dasaratha. The citizens brought auspicious dishes, full dishes, together with durvă, flowers, fruits, et cetera. Everywhere melodious songs were sung, everywhere piles of saffron, everywhere rows of festoons were made in the city. Then presents from kings, sent unexpectedly, came to the king from the power of his son. The king gave the name Padma to his son, a lotus abode of Padma (Lakşmī), and he became known by the name Rāma also.
Sumitrā saw an elephant, lion, sun, moon, fire, Śrī, and ocean in a dream at dawn, which indicated the birth of a Vişnu. Then a powerful god fell from heaven and
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