1.31: The Glowing Forest

1.31: To Mithila

As the night passed, filled with contentment and joy from our recent achievements, Lakshmana and I woke up to the first light of dawn. We performed our morning rituals and approached the radiant sage Viswamithra and the other sages with humility and respect.

With sweet words, we greeted the esteemed sage, who exuded an aura akin to fire, and asked him for guidance. We were informed that King Janaka, known for his unwavering righteousness, was preparing to conduct a grand Yagna, and the assembly of sages was journeying there.

They spoke of a wondrous gem of a bow, a divine gift bestowed by the devas during a Yagna, which belonged to the King of Mithila. This bow possessed unparalleled power, and no mortal, deva, asura, Gandharva, or Rakshasa could lift or string it. Many kings had tried, but none had succeeded.

As a descendant of the Kakustha clan, I was given the opportunity to witness this magnificent bow and the grand Yagna performed by the King of Mithila. The bow, revered in the King's palace, was adorned with scented sandal pastes, fragrant incenses, and the aroma of aloe.

Under the guidance of the penance-enriched sage Viswamithra, we began our journey to the northern bank of the River Ganges, heading towards the Himalaya Mountains. Accompanied by his close followers, well-versed in the knowledge of Brahman, we traveled in a caravan of a hundred carts.

Initially, all the creatures, animals, and birds dwelling in Siddha Ashrama followed us closely, but the sage eventually sent them back to their abode. As we traveled a considerable distance and the sun started to set, we set up camp on the banks of the River Sona.

With the resplendent glow of the sages, they performed their evening rituals, offering oblations into the sacred fire. They gathered before the luminous Viswamithra, who was unparalleled in his brilliance. Lakshmana and I worshipped the sage reverentially and took our seats facing him.

Filled with curiosity, I couldn't help but inquire about the place shining with dense forests. The sage, renowned as the tiger among sages due to his abundant penance, began describing the place to us with great insight and wisdom.