Meanwhile Janaka summoned his preceptor Shatananda and sent him at once to the sage Vishvamitra. Shatananda communicated Janaka’s humble prayer and Vishvamitra gladly sent for the two brothers.

The Lord did homage to Shatananda’s feet and went and sat down beside the guru; the sage then said, ‘Come, my son, Janaka has sent for us.

Let us go and see how Sita elects her husband; we have yet to see on whom God bestows this great honour’. Said Lakshmana, ‘He alone will be the worthy recipient of this glory, my lord, who enjoys your favour.’

The whole company of sages rejoiced when they heard these noble words and with delighted hearts they all gave him their blessing. Accompanied by the whole throng of hermits the gracious Lord then proceeded to view the arena prepared for the contest of the bow.

When the citizens got the news that the two brothers had entered the arena, they all sallied forth, oblivious of their household work, men and women, young and old, and children too.

When Janaka saw how enormous was the crowd, he sent for all his trusted servants and said, ‘Go and see all the people at once and give each one a proper seat.’

So with gentle and courteous words the servants seated them all, both men and women, each according to his rank, whether noble or middling, humble or low.