Episode Twenty - Leaving Mithila

Welcome to the twentieth episode of The Journey of Rama. If this is your first encounter with The Journey, please read Episode One first.

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On with Episode Twenty!

राम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम रामराम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम रामम

The ceremony over, Rama and Sita proceeded to their chambers. The rooms were beautifully appointed; the walls decorated with brocades, the silk interwoven with threads of silver, gold, and copper. Oil lamps and candles cast warm light, but all the pair could see was each other.

Rama took Sita’s hands in his. “Sita, we need no words between us, but I must speak.

“It has long been a tradition in my family for a King to take several wives. You know my father has three. I promise you now that I will never take another wife besides the one I have just wed. You and I are one, without need of another.”

Sita smiled in joyful agreement with her husband.

राम राम राम राम राम राम राम

The next morning, after performing his morning practices, Dasharatha called upon his guru, Vashistha. “Guru-ji, by your grace, my four sons are wed and my desires fulfilled. Please present the Brahmins with cows and sufficient funds to support them. Sumant will arrange it.”

Vashistha smiled. “It will be done, my King.” Dasharatha bowed low, then took his leave to visit King Janak. On his way to Janak’s quarters, he pondered how to phrase what he needed to say.

“Your Majesty,” Dasharatha said after greeting the king of Mithila, “many thanks for welcoming us, taking such good care of us, and hosting the wedding of your household to mine. Unfortunately, we must return to Ayodhya. Be assured that your daughters and nieces will be well cared for.”

“I have no doubt, your Majesty.” Janak paused. He swallowed hard. “But certainly you can stay for a few more days. We have at least a week of festivities planned!”

Dasharatha did not want to be ungracious. “Well,” he replied with a smile, “I don’t want to be too hasty. Ayodhya’s matters can wait a day or two, I suppose.”

“Thank you, my Lord. It is such a pleasure to have you and your family with us.”

Both kings knew that Janak did not want to let Sita go; she was as dear to him as Rama was to Dasharatha. But the rules of propriety dictated how such things were handled. Dasharatha bowed and took his leave, sighing as he returned to his quarters.

Each day, there were new festivities, and each day, the King of Ayodhya grew more anxious to leave.

Three days later, the same scene played out again, and then again the next day, and the next. Dasharatha would ask to leave and Janak would gently implore him to remain. Dasharatha needed assistance, or he and his court might never leave Mithila. As usual, he called upon his minister, Sumant.

“I understand, my king. I too long for home.” Sumant thought about it, stroking his mustache as he did so. “There are two individuals currently within this palace who can prevail upon King Janak; two with whom he cannot argue. Leave it with me, my liege.”

Dasharatha nodded with relief. Whenever Sumant said, “Leave it with me,” any deed was as good as done.

The next morning, Sage Vishvamitra and Janak’s own preceptor, Shatananda, called upon King Janak. “It is a great pleasure and honor to be guests in your palace,” said Vishvamitra, “and we know your affection for Dasharatha makes it difficult to allow him to depart, but he, his family, and his entourage must return home.”

Shatananda agreed. “They must be allowed to leave. And Sita must go with her husband.”

Janak straightened, then bowed to the sages. He summoned a servant. “Please tell my ministers that the King of Ayodhya wishes to depart. Make it known throughout the city.” Janak held back the tears, but his guru Shatananda heard the catch in the king’s voice.

It took two days to get King Dasharatha’s party ready to leave. No citizen of Mithila wanted them to go.

But go they did. Dasharatha, his wives, his sons and their wives, all the courtiers, soldiers, and citizens of Ayodhya began their journey home. The king was tired and feeling his age. He would have things to do upon his return.

राम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम रामराम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम राम रामम

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