Rāmāyana | Bala Kaṇḍa | Chapter 77

Sargam [Chapter]: 77
Ayodhyā Arrival

[After the departure of Paraśurāma, all of them continue their journey and arrive back Ayodhyā. They are received with joy by people of Ayodhyā.]

When Paraśurāma had gone, Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, who had a peaceful mind, gave the unmatched bow and arrow to God Varuṇa. 77.1

Then Rāma saluted Vasiṣṭha and other important saints. Seeing his scared father, that son of Raghu clan told him. 77.2

"Rāma, the son of Jamadagni, has gone. Please give order to the four divisions of the army to march towards Ayodhyā as its supreme commander. " 77.3

"Oh king, direct the army that is under your control, they are waiting for your order like a Chātakā bird waiting for water." 77.4

Hearing the words of Rāma that Paraśurāma has departed, Daśaratha was filled with joy, hugged his son, having done that smelt his forehead and felt as if his son has taken a rebirth. 77.5-77.6

He ordered his army to go speedily and when they reached the city, it was decorated by banners and flags, resounding with playing of Trumpets delightfully looking forward to the king's entry. The royal highways were sprinkled with water, with flowers strewn on them and auspicious musical instruments were being played. The city was filled with people who were waiting for the King to enter." 77.7-77.8

That great and famous King, followed by his elegant sons, entered the city where the citizens including Brahmins, who have come from a long distance, had gathered to welcome him and then he entered his home like the Himalaya Mountain. 77.9

The King, in house, was honoured by his relations. Kausalya, Sumitrā and Kaikeyi with the slender waist were busy in welcoming the brides along with the women of the royal house. 77.10-77.11

Thereafter, the wives of the King welcomed the highly fortunate Sītā, the famous Urmilā and the daughters of Kusadwaja in to their house. 77.12

All of them, holding auspicious substances and shining in their silk dresses, immediately went and worshipped Gods in temple. 77.13

Then, all those daughters of kings paid homage to all those worthy of being paid homage and went to their individual houses, which were like the house of Kubera. They gave cows and grains; satisfied great Brahmins. Then, they enjoyed the company of their husbands happily. 77.14-77.15

Those great sons, with no one comparable to them in the earth, in their valour and competent in use of arrows, along with their wives served their father and obeyed his commands." 77.16

After passage of some time, Daśaratha, the delight of Raghu clan, addressed Bhārata, the son of Kaikeyi, and told. 77.17

"Oh son, the heroic Yudhājit, who is the son of King of Kekaya and your maternal uncle, has come to take you to their home." 77.18

"Oh knower of Dharma, he has made the same request in Mithilā when we were with great sages and it is only proper to make him happy by going with him." 77.19

Having heard the words of Daśaratha, Bhārata, the son of Kaikeyi, paid salutations to Daśaratha and Rāma, embraced Lakshmana and together with Śatrughna started for the journey." 77.20-77.21

That valorous great man bid farewell from Daśaratha, Rāma, who did jobs without any fatigue, and mothers; he departed with Śatrughna. 77.22

After the departure of Bhārata, the strong Rāma and Lakshmana worshipped and served their god like father. 77.23

Obeying the orders of their father, they looked after the welfare and well being of their citizens. 77.24

They looked after their mothers and requirement of their mothers in a disciplined manner; supervised the welfare of their gurus and their needs at appropriate intervals." 77.25

Daśaratha started liking them very much for their good conduct and character; they were liked by the Brahmins and other citizens of the country. 77.26

Rāma, who was truthful and greatly valorous, possessed many virtues and was famous; for the people of kingdom, he was like Lord Brahma to the living beings. 77.27

The sensitive Rāma always fixed his mind on Sītā, his heart being dedicated to her and several seasons went by. 77.28

Sītā, being chosen by his father, became a darling to him and his affection towards her increased further due to her prettiness and great virtue. 77.29

For her, her husband acted doubly because they were communicating their thoughts revolving in their heart as well those born there. 77.30

In beauty, she was equal to Gods, who had assumed human form; she was also a personification of Goddess Lakshmi in wealth. Sītā became especially dear to Rāma because she was born in Mithilā and the daughter of Janaka. 77.31

That Rāma, being the son of the Royal sage and pretty every moment, united with the daughter of excellent King Janaka, shined like Indra, the King of devas and possessed joy like Lord Vishnu who was with Goddess Lakshmi. 77.32

This is the end of Seventy Seventh Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.

End of Bala Kanda of Rāmāyaṇa.