After the wedding celebrations at Mithila, Sage Vishwamitra returned to his ashrama in the Himalayas to resume his meditation. Dasharatha gifted several thousand cows and calves, as was the custom at the time. Then he led the bridal procession back to Ayodhya with his four sons and their wives. The city was decorated to receive the princes and their brides. The sounds of musical instruments and the fragrances of flowers and incense filled the air. The great procession entered the city amid shouts of joy and jubilation as the citizens gathered in huge numbers to get a glimpse of the princes and their brides. At the palace gates the three queens of King Dasharatha waited to welcome their new daughters-in-law into their household. It was a moment of great love and joy for everyone who was present.
Welcoming the Brides
