Chapter LVI: Section LVI

Having slain the Rakshasa, Maricha, able to wear shapes at will, who had been ranging in the form of a deer, Rama speedily turned back along the path. On Sita having entered Lanka, the great father addressed the gratified Devendra of an hundred sacrifices, "For bringing about the weal of the three worlds, and the woe of the Rakshasas, Sita hath been taken into Lanka by the wicked-minded, Ravana. Devoted unto her husband, the exalted lady always brought up in happiness, not seeing her husband, and seeing (on the other hand) environed by numbers of Rakshasis,--is hungering after the sight of her lord. The city of Lanka is situated on the shores of the lord of rivers and streams. How can Rama get a knowledge of that blameless one, staying there? Brooding over the various ills she hath undergone, that exceedingly rare damsel is passing her days. Surely she will resign her existence. Great is the doubt that hath arisen as to Sita putting a period to her existence. Having thyself from here, do thou see the fair-faced Sita. Having entered the city of Lanka, offer excellent clarified butter." Thus addressed by the reverend chastiser of Paka, Devendra in company with sleep, approached the city ruled by Ravana. He then addressed sleep, saying, "Go thou; and stupify the Rakshasas." Thus accosted by Maghavat, that goddess, exceedingly delighted, for securing success to the work of the celestials, covered the Rakshasas with stupor. In the meanwhile, that god, the thousand-eyed lord of Sachi went to (Sita) staying in the woods, and spoke unto her these words, "I am the sovereign of the celestials. Good betide thee! I am here, O thou of luminous smiles! For securing success unto the work of the magnanimous Raghava, I will lend my aid unto thee. Do not, O daughter of Janaka, grieve. Through my grace, he shall along with his forces cross over the ocean. And, O excellent wench, I have by my supernal power, stupified the Rakshasis. And, O Sita, for this reason, I along with sleep, taking these rice,--rice boiled in clarified butter, have, O Vaidehi, come unto thee. If thou partake of these from my hand, thou shalt never beuteous one, be afflicted either with hunger or thirst, thou of thighs resembling _rambha_ (trunks), for years." Thus addressed, Sita, alarmed, said, "How can I know thee for Devendra, Sachi's husband, staying here? By the side of Rama and Lakshmana, I had beheld the signs of the celestials. If, O Devendra, thou art thyself the sovereign of the celestials, show those unto me." Hearing Sita's words, the lord of Sachi did accordingly. He did not touch the earth with his feet, and his eyes remained winkless. He bloomed in youth, and the blossoms did not fade on his attire. Thereupon knowing him for Vasava, Sita was overjoyed. And weeping, she spoke regarding Raghava, "By luck it is that I had heard of that mighty-armed one along with his brother. As is my father-in-law, the king, as is the master of Mithila, so art thou (unto me), thou whom I behold to-day; my husband hath now found a protector.-- And by thy command, O Devendra, will I partake of this _payasa_ cooked with milk, which hath been offered unto me, and which shall enhance (the prosperity) of our race." Thereupon taking the _payasa_ from Indra's hands, that Maithili of luminous smiles (mentally) offered it unto her husband as well as Lakshmana. "If my mighty lord live along with his brother, let this through my reverence for them, be theirs." She then partook of the _payasa_ herself. Having thus eaten it, that one of excellent countenance, had her hunger and rising sorrow removed; and attaining a mental tendency from Indra, Janaki grew glad with reference to the Kakutshthas. And Sakra also for bringing about the success of Raghava's work, with a pleased mind, went to the abode of celestials. And greeting Sita again and again, that high-souled celestial, in company with sleep went back to his own abode."