The magnificence of the city wherein Lakshmi dwelt in the charming disguise of a mortal woman made even Sharda (the goddess of eloquence) and (the thousand-tongued) Shesha shrink from describing it.

Janaka’s messengers arrived at Rama’s sacred birth-place and rejoiced to see the glorious city. They sent in word at the entrance of the royal palace; hearing of their arrival, king Dasharath summoned them to his presence.

With due reverence they delivered the letter; and the king himself in his joy rose and received it. As he read the letter, tears rushed to his eyes; he trembled with emotion and his heart was full of joy.

With Rama and Lakshmana in his heart and the welcome letter in his hand, he remained mute and could not utter a word, either good or bad. Then he composed himself and read the letter aloud and the court rejoiced to hear the sure glad news.

Obtaining the news at the spot where he had been playing about, Bharata came with his playmates and brother (Shatrughna), and with the utmost modesty and affection asked, ‘Where has the letter come from, father?

Are my two beloved brothers doing well and, tell me, in what country do they happen to be?’ On hearing these words steeped in love, the king read out the letter over again.

When they heard the letter, the two brothers felt a thrill of joy; their whole frame was bursting with an excess of emotion. The whole court was particularly enraptured at the sight of Bharata’s unalloyed devotion.