Listen, O king of birds at that hour Brahma, Shiva and multitudes of sages and all the other gods mounted their chariots and came to see the source and spring of joy.

The sage Vasishtha was enraptured as he gazed upon the Lord, and he sent at once for a gorgeous throne, effulgent as the sun, indescribably beautiful. Bowing his head to the Brahmans, Rama took his seat thereon.

The whole saintly throng was in ecstasies at the sight of Raghunatha and Janaka’s daughter. Then the Brahmans intoned the Vedic spells, while in the heavens above the gods and sages shouted ‘Glory! Glory!’

First, the sage Vasishtha applied the sacred mark, and then directed all the Brahmans to do so too. The queens were transported with joy at the sight of their son, and again and again waved their festal lamps about his head.

They bestowed a variety of gifts on the Brahmans and not a beggar remained with a want unsatisfied. Perceiving the Lord of the three spheres seated on the throne, the gods sounded their drums.

Many a drum sounded in the heavens above; Gandharvas and Kinnaras (the celestial musicians) sang and bands of heavenly nymphs danced to the supreme delight of the gods and sages. Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna, together with Vibhishana, Angad, Hanuman and the rest, shone forth beside the Lord, each holding severally the royal umbrella, the whisk, the fan, the bow, the sword, the shield and the spear.

With Lakshmi (Sita) by his side, the jewel of the Solar race shone forth with the beauty of many Loves; his exquisite body, lovely as a fresh rain-cloud in yellow robes, enthralled the gods; his diadem and bracelets and other marvellous limb; blessed indeed are those who behold such a form, such lotus eyes, such stalwart chest and such long arms.