p. 1913

Tue night being over and having invited the leading ascetics, Rama told his sons to sing the poem fearlessly. Thereupon the high-souled Rishis having taken their seats Kusa and Lava began the last portion of the Uttarakandam. Sita having entered Patala by the strength of her vow, and the sacrifice having terminated, Rama grew poorly in spirit. In Janaki’s absence the whole world appeared to him as blank. Now being overwhelmed with grief he lost all mental peace. Having conferred various gifts upon the kings, Rakshasas, monkeys, and leading Brahmanas, Rama sent them away and meditating upon Sita’s absence entered Ajoydhya. And from the time of Sita’s entering into Patala he did

p. 1914

net take any other spouse. And having made a golden image of Sita he engaged in the performance of various sacrifices. In this wise for thousand years he celebrated many Horsesacrifices, many Bajpeyas with profuse gold, Agnisomas, Atiratras, numberless Gomedhas and various other sacrifices. Rama being engaged in governing the kingdom and _ performing many pious rites long time passed away.- And being under his subjection, bears, monkeys, Rakhasas and kings always afforded delight unto him. On account of showers in proper time there was enough of food in his kingdom. The quarters were pure and delightful. The citizens and villagers were happy and healthy. None met with premature death. In fact, in his veg¢me all calamities were removed. Thereupon after many years, the : illustrious, Kausalya, Rima’s mother, surrounded by her sons and grand-sons, breathed her last. Performing many pious observances Kakeyi followed her and obtained peace in the land of immortals. Those noble ladies, being united with the king Dagaratha, in heaven, were greatly delighted and obtained all virtues. Besides, having worshipped the deities and manes on the eccasion of his father’s Srédha ceremony the high-souled Rama distributed many jewels and engaged in the performance of a very difficult sacrifice. In this wise having performed many sacrifices and multiplied pieties he spent many thousand years ia happiness.