-were sent by Janaka on the back of innumerable bullocks and porters. He also sent a number of comfortable beds, a hundred thousand horses and twenty-five thousand chariots, all exquisitely adorned throughout;

-ten thousand powerful elephants, duly caparisoned, at the sight of which the elephants guarding the eight quarters would feel ashamed of themselves, with cartloads of gold and raiment and jewels; she buffaloes also and cows, and many other articles of all kinds.

The dowry thus given by Videha was immeasurable and beyond all telling, and before which the wealth of the spheres was a mere nothing in comparison in the eyes of their lords.

When all his gifts had been thus arranged, Janaka despatched them to Ayodhya. When the queens heard that the guests were about to start, they were as agitated as fish when the water is low.

Again and again they clasped Sita to their bosoms and blessed and exhorted her, saying: ‘May you ever be loved by your lord, and with him live a long and happy life; this is our blessing

Serve your husband’s father and mother and the guru, and regarding your lord’s will do as he bids’. Sita’s clever companions, too, with their overpowering affection taught her in gentle tones the duties of a housewife.

Again and again after thus duly instructing the brides and queens clasped them to their hearts, and time after time as they embraced them, the mothers exclaimed, ‘Why has Brahma created women?’