All His three brothers (Bharata, Lakƒma˜a and Ýatrughna) then prostrated themselves alongwith HanumŒn and everyone felt very happy. The sages were beside themselves and therefore the eldest of all creation. They are perpetual celibates and are still living in the abode of BrahmŒ, their present age being computed at 1,95,00,00,000 odd years. 990 * ÝR” RMACARITAMNASA* with rapture on beholding the incomparable beauty of Ýr¶ RŒma (the Lord of the Raghus). They remained gazing with unwinking eyes on the Lord, who is the abode of comeliness and brings about release from worldly existence and has a swarthy form and lotus-eyes˚. The Lord in His turn bowed His head with joined palms. When the Hero of Raghu’s line perceived their condition, His eyes too streamed with tears and every hair on His body stood on its end. Taking them by the hand, the Lord seated them and addressed them in most charming words : “Listen, great sages: I am indeed blessed today. By your very sight all one’s sins are wiped out. By extreme good luck one is able to secure the company of saints; for through such communion the chain of births and deaths is broken without the least exertion. (1—4)