May Rama rule over this city, assisted by his guru, his councillors and his brothers; and may we die in Avadh while Rama still lives as our king!’ this was the universal prayer.

When they heard the citizens’ loving prayer, the enlightened sages talked disparagingly of their own asceticism and detachment. Having thus performed their daily devotions the citizens made obeisance to Rama with a thrill of joy.

Men and women of every class – high and low and of middle rank – had a sight of him, each according to his or her disposition. Rama scrupulously honoured them all, and all praised the treasure-house of compassion.

‘From his very boyhood it has been Rama’s habit to observe the rules of propriety and cherish all in whom he recognize love. Raghunatha is a very ocean of amiability and modesty, gracious in both speech and look, of simple and sincere disposition’

Thus recounting the perfections of Rama, they all began rapturously to magnify their own good fortune: ‘Few are there in the world as meritorious as we whom Rama recognizes as his own!’

When they heard that the king of Mithila was approaching, all were at that time absorbed in love, and the sun of the lotuses of the Solar race rose with the whole assembly in courteous haste to receive him.

Raghunatha led the way, accompanied by his younger brothers, the minister (Sumantra), the guru (Vasishtha) and the citizens. As soon as king Janaka saw the holy hill of Kamadanatha, he made obeisance to it and dismounted from his chariot.