King Dasharath extolled in every way Janaka’s affection, amiability, magnificence and noble actions. Every day on rising he asked permission to return home, but each time Janaka would lovingly detain him.

There was constantly some new fete in his honour and every day a thousand different kinds of entertainment. In the city were ever new rejoicings and festivities, and no one therefore liked to think of Dasharath’s departure.

In this manner many days passed, as though the wedding guests were fast bound by the cords of love. Then Vishvamitra and Shatananda called on the king of Videha and thus advised him:

You must now let Dasharath take his leave, even though for very love you may not be able to part with him’. ‘Very well, my lord,’ replied the king, and summoned his ministers, who came and bowed their heads, saying, ‘Long live the king!’

‘Make it known in the gynaecceum,’ said Janaka, ‘that Avadh’s lord wishes to depart.’ At these words the ministers, Brahmans and courtiers, as well as the king himself, were greatly moved.

When the citizens of Janakpura heard that the guests were leaving, they anxiously asked one another if it were true. When they learnt that the departure of the guests was certain, they all fell into melancholy, like lotuses that fade in the evening.

Provisions of various sorts were sent to all those place where the visitors had stayed on arrival. Dry fruit and confections of every kind and other articles of food too numerous to be mentioned-