The sages pressed Rama to their hearts and invoked their blessings on him, praying that their words might come true As they gazed upon the beauty of Sita, Lakshmana (Sumitra’s son) and Rama, they accounted all their spiritual practices to have been well rewarded

After paying them all due honour, the Lord dismissed the saintly throng; and they began to practise their austerities, with prayer and sacrifice and penance, unmolested in their own retreats.

When the Kols and Kiratas heard the news, they felt as delighted as though the nine heavenly treasures had found their way to their homes. With leaf-platters full of bulbs and roots and fruit they sallied forth as do beggars to plunder stores of gold.

Those among them who had already seen the two brothers were questioned about them by others who met them on the road. Conversing with one another about Rama’s beauty in this manner, they all came and saw Raghunatha.

Laying their offerings before the Lord, they make obeisance to him and regard him with deep devotion. Motionless as so many painted figures, they stand there all about him, their bodies thrilling with emotion and their eyes overflowing with tears.

When Rama perceived that they were all overwhelmed and spoke to them words of kindness. Again and again they made obeisance to the Lord and addressed him in humble strain with folded hands:

‘Having seen your feet, O Lord, we have all found a protector. Blessed are we that you have come to this place, O lord of Ayodhya!