To Rama and Lakshmana, Janaka’s eyes like a visual reader,

Posed questions to Vishvamitra, of munis a leader.

Amidst pageantry of occasion, playing bugles and drums,

These two boys emerged, but where did they come from?

One fair and one dark, of beauty so mysterious,

So of their family host king became curious.

From more information about Supreme Lord we know,

Certainly our appreciation for Him will grow.

Beautiful picture for Janaka’s eyes a gift,

Shri Rama heavy bow of Shiva’s to lift.

Know that responsibility with everything you do,

Represent your character and your parents’ too.

Thus if you point your behavior in right direction,

On the merits of mother and father a good reflection.

Seeing Rama and Lakshmana, of their origin Janaka unsure,

But could guess that their parents were like an ocean pure.

Endless happiness to eyes that their forms see,

Thus boys appeared as if they were heavenly desire tree.

When your consciousness to divine realm you send,

The pious credits to your good parents will extend.

From contest where Shiva’s bow to lift,

Vision of Sita and Rama in Janaka’s mind to sit.

First all the royal families from around the world were called,

To Janaka’s capital city their royal entourages were hauled.

But two boys accompanying Vishvamitra were different,

Sparked full attraction in king who to world was indifferent.

Parents of the boys must be of purity an ocean,

Get to see children and their daily playful motion.

Piety brings God’s company, from Janaka’s thoughts believe,

Endless happiness from desire trees Rama and Lakshmana receive.

The objects of material world king did not like,

Knew that illusion only grew from their sight.

From attachment to maya the king to stay away,

This way avoid influence of ignorance’s sway.

Yet this all to change in just one instant,

Upon seeing beautiful forms for eyes so pleasant.

Now the creator had to be praised,

For these two lovely youths he had made.

Of course no one created Rama and Lakshmana,

But sublime lesson to take from incident’s fun.

With knowledge wise decision you make,

No longer identity from body you’ll take.

From material attachment you’ll stay renounced,

Absorbing knowledge of Brahman, attain stature pronounced.

From this King Janaka attained worldwide fame,

Through detachment lived up to his Videha name.

But as soon as King Dasharatha’s son eyes to gaze upon,

His hard acquired level of renunciation was gone.

Be not puzzled, for this is how it’s supposed to be,

Feel unbreakable love when Supreme Lord’s vision you see.

Maya, with her illusory visions deceives,

Allows not the eyes the fruit of existence to receive.

Brahman is truth, with maya nothing to do,

Above karma, victory and defeat too.

To feel brahma-sukha is surely a great chore,

But know that happiness can have even more.

The supreme pleasure of seeing God Janaka felt,

Knew brahma-sukha, but this time his heart did melt.

Supreme Lord is wherefrom Brahman has come,

Follow bhakti and know your ascension done.

Historic union of Sita and Rama not to miss,

Fortunate who could see start of their wedded bliss.

To take place, so many events had to unfold,

Vishvamitra to Ayodhya, Janaka a contest to hold.

Regardless of place, behavior followed same pattern,

Respect shown to brahmanas, who fire of yajna burn.

With Rama and Lakshmana to Janakpur came Gadhi’s son,

With his priests and advisers, Janaka gave them a welcome.

Soon eldest son of Dasharatha Shiva’s bow to lift,

His marriage to Sita to eyes of attendees priceless gift.

The group stopped when Mithila within reach,

Vishvamitra of Ahalya’s history did speak.

Gautama Muni had the most beautiful wife,

She served him well in his spiritual life.

Lord Indra came and her chastity did break,

Gautama cursed him and wife unseen form to take.

Only when hospitably Rama and Lakshmana received,

Would from the curse beautiful woman be relieved.

Following sage, two brothers in her asylum they went,

Liberated Ahalya, to husband’s side she was sent.

Rama, with His arrows demons chased away,

Would be great if with munis He’d always stay.

But Vishvamitra knew that higher work there was to do,

Took Rama to sacrifice in Tirahuta, brought Lakshmana too.

Demigods by the night-rangers always harassed,

Needed someone who in strength them surpassed.

Rama came for this reason, and also to delight,

By on Rakshasas imposing His will and might.

Vishvamitra thus in Ramayana had integral role,

Brought Rama to Sita, demons’ demise to unfold.

Ghoulish creatures are the rangers of the night,

To innocent sages they present terrifying sight.

With Vishvamitra, to forest Shri Rama went,

With help of Lakshmana, demons to their death sent.

Now the attacks of the night-rangers to cease,

So forest sages could do their yajnas in peace.

Turned pleasurable a condition first horrifying,

So no wonder that sages to this day God glorifying.

Know that purpose of yajna is Shri Hari to please,

With that desire in mind your troubles He’ll ease.