Part 7: Winning of Jitapadmā

In the last part of the night Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa set out and, after crossing forests, reached the city Kṣemāñjali in course of time. In a garden outside Rāma consumed food growing wild, fruit, et cetera, brought by Lakṣmaṇa and prepared by Jānakī’s hands. Having permission from Rāma, Saumitri entered the city from curiosity and heard a loud proclamation:

“Whoever can endure a blow from the spear of the king, to him he will give his daughter in marriage.” He asked a man the reason for the proclamation and he said: “The king here is named Śatrudamana, very powerful. He has a daughter, borne by Queen Kanakā, most superior of maidens, named Jitapadmā, the sole abode of Padmā, lotus-eyed. The king undertakes this daily to test the strength of a husband. Such a man does not come.”

Hearing this, Lakṣmaṇa went to the king in his council and was questioned, “For what reason and whither have you come?” He replied, “I am Bharata’s messenger and hearing about your daughter as I was traveling on some business, I came here to marry her.” The king asked, “Can you endure a blow from my spear?” “What does one amount to? I shall endure five,” Lakṣmaṇa said. Just then the king’s daughter, Jitapadmā, came there and was wounded by love as soon as she had seen Lakṣmaṇa. Though she, infatuated at once, tried, to prevent him, the king hurled five spears, hard to endure, rapidly at Lakṣmaṇa. Lakṣmaṇa seized two with his hands, two under his arms, and one with his teeth along with the mind of Princess Jitapadmā. Jitapadmā herself threw the garland of choice on him and the king said, “Marry this maiden.” Lakṣmaṇa said, “My elder brother, Rāma, Dāśarathi, is in a garden outside. I am always obedient to him.” When he knew that they were Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, the king went instantly, bowed to Rāma, and conducted him to his own house. The king showed Rāma great honor. For even an ordinary guest must be honored, how much more the chief of men. Then, as Rāma, was leaving, Saumitri said to the king, “I shall marry your daughter, when I return.”