Janakpur's Love Affair

The women of Janakpur are abuzz with talks of how the dark complexioned older brother is most worthy of the hand, of the princess Janaki, in marriage. They discuss about how the king might not discard his vow, of the bow-sacrifice. They all sincerely hope that providence will take over, and the princess will get her due. One thing was certain, they all wanted to see these beautiful boys coming to their town again and again. If only they are so fortunate.

The people on the street wondered, how this young dark skinned lad, even though he is so suited for the princess, will be able to bend the bow. One said, that he only looks vulnerable, that he had heard, that the boy yields great power, and that by touching Ahilya, (I have already written about this story before) who had sinned, by hes feet, she had achieved salvation. Every one was of one view however. They wanted Sita the daughter of king Janak to marry Ram.

By now, the brothers arrived at the eastern part of the city. This is where the bow- sacrifice was to be held. In the spacious arena a pristine alter was erected, that was exquisitely adorned. Just like a boxing ring, this altar had raised platform seats all around it, that were made of gold, to seat the princes, who had been invited. Then, their was another higher level of seats, just like the bleachers, where the common folks would sit.. Close to the inner circle, their were brightly painted colourful galleries, where their were boxed in seating, for the women in rank, in the family.

All this sight -seeing tour was being given to the brothers by the children of the town. They eagerly swooned over the princes and led them from here to there . Lovingly, the brothers engaged with the children and showed awe and wonder at what they saw. The Lord who with his 'Maya' can produce several universes in the blink of an eye, was showing amusement and graciousness at the sight of this arena.

Realising it was pretty late the brothers returned to their Guru. The sublime Lord, who on a whim can inspire terror in terror itself, can on the other hand, manifest devotion too,. However the Lord was sacred of the Guru because they were late.

Very childlike, the Lord Shri Ram frolicked with the innocent children of Janakpur. Bring that inner child out today, and then you shall have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!