Next he gave him a splendid apartment in his own palace, where the king and his whole gynaeceum kept a vigilant eye on his wants even though unexpressed. Again he adored his guru’s lotus feet with the greatest humility and devotion.

The princes and their brides, the king and his royal consorts did homage to the preceptor’s feet again and again and received the high sage’s blessing.

With a heart overflowing with devotion he made entreaties to the guru and set his sons and all his wealth before him. The great sage, however, claimed only his customary gifts for the ceremonial occasion and blessed him in profusion.

And with the image of Sita and Rama impressed upon his heart, he set out with joy on his homeward way. The king then summoned all the Brahman’s wives and invested them with robes of honour and ornaments.

Next, he sent for the honourable women of the city (whose husbands were alive and who, though born in Ayodhya, were married elsewhere) and presented them with garments of their liking. All those who were entitled to receive gifts and presents on ceremonial occasions received the customary present from the jewel of kings, who gave each what he most fancied.

The king gave all honour to the guests whom he regarded as worthy of affection and adoration. The gods, who witnessed Rama’s wedding, rained down flowers as they applauded the spectacle.

And with beat of drum the celestials gladly proceeded each to his own city, reciting to one another the glory of Rama with irrepressible rapture.