Prakarana 23

Verse 460 (चौपाई)

देखन नगरु भूपसुत आए। समाचार पुरबासिन्ह पाए।। धाए धाम काम सब त्यागी। मनहु रंक निधि लूटन लागी।। निरखि सहज सुंदर दोउ भाई। होहिं सुखी लोचन फल पाई।। जुबतीं भवन झरोखन्हि लागीं। निरखहिं राम रूप अनुरागीं।। कहहिं परसपर बचन सप्रीती। सखि इन्ह कोटि काम छबि जीती।। सुर नर असुर नाग मुनि माहीं। सोभा असि कहुँ सुनिअति नाहीं।। बिष्नु चारि भुज बिघि मुख चारी। बिकट बेष मुख पंच पुरारी।। अपर देउ अस कोउ न आही। यह छबि सखि पटतरिअ जाही।।

The king's sons came to see the city, and the townsfolk received the news. They ran to their homes, abandoning all their tasks, as if poor men had begun to plunder a treasure. Beholding the two brothers, naturally handsome, the people rejoiced, their eyes having found their fruit. Young women clung to the windows and balconies of their houses, gazing with love upon Rama's form. They spoke to one another words full of affection: "Friend, his beauty has conquered the charm of a crore of Kamadevas." Among gods, men, demons, serpents and sages, such splendor has never been heard of anywhere. He has the four arms of Vishnu and the four faces of Brahma; he has the fierce form of the five-faced Destroyer. There is no other god like him; this beauty, friend, would be painted upon a banner."

Verse 461 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बय किसोर सुषमा सदन स्याम गौर सुख घाम। अंग अंग पर वारिअहिं कोटि कोटि सत काम।।220।।

The young maiden's beauty is a palace; the dark one and the fair one are the sun and the shade of bliss. Upon every limb, a crore of Kamadevas wage their assault.

Verse 462 (चौपाई)

कहहु सखी अस को तनुधारी। जो न मोह यह रूप निहारी।। कोउ सप्रेम बोली मृदु बानी। जो मैं सुना सो सुनहु सयानी।। ए दोऊ दसरथ के ढोटा। बाल मरालन्हि के कल जोटा।। मुनि कौसिक मख के रखवारे। जिन्ह रन अजिर निसाचर मारे।। स्याम गात कल कंज बिलोचन। जो मारीच सुभुज मदु मोचन।। कौसल्या सुत सो सुख खानी। नामु रामु धनु सायक पानी।। गौर किसोर बेषु बर काछें। कर सर चाप राम के पाछें।। लछिमनु नामु राम लघु भ्राता। सुनु सखि तासु सुमित्रा माता।।

Tell me, friend, is there any embodied being who would not be entranced upon beholding this form? One spoke lovingly in gentle words: "What I have heard, hear now, wise friend. These two are Dasharatha's sons, the very pair of young swans. They are the protectors of sage Vishvamitra's sacrifice, who in the forest have slain the demons. The dark-bodied one with lotus eyes, who released Shubhuja from her madness. He is Kaushalya's son, the very mine of joy; his name is Rama, the bow and arrows his hand. The fair youth who follows behind Rama, bearing a bow and quiver in his hand. His name is Lakshmana, Rama's younger brother; hear, friend, his mother is Sumitra."

Verse 463 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बिप्रकाजु करि बंधु दोउ मग मुनिबधू उधारि। आए देखन चापमख सुनि हरषीं सब नारि।।221।।

Having fulfilled the brahmins' task, the two brothers rescued the sage's wife on the way. They came to see the sacrifice of the bow, and all the women rejoiced at the news.

Verse 464 (चौपाई)

देखि राम छबि कोउ एक कहई। जोगु जानकिहि यह बरु अहई।। जौ सखि इन्हहि देख नरनाहू। पन परिहरि हठि करइ बिबाहू।। कोउ कह ए भूपति पहिचाने। मुनि समेत सादर सनमाने।। सखि परंतु पनु राउ न तजई। बिधि बस हठि अबिबेकहि भजई।। कोउ कह जौं भल अहइ बिधाता। सब कहँ सुनिअ उचित फलदाता।। तौ जानकिहि मिलिहि बरु एहू। नाहिन आलि इहाँ संदेहू।। जौ बिधि बस अस बनै सँजोगू। तौ कृतकृत्य होइ सब लोगू।। सखि हमरें आरति अति तातें। कबहुँक ए आवहिं एहि नातें।।

Seeing Rama's beauty, one said: "This bridegroom is fitting for Janaki. If, friend, the king sees him, he will break his vow and stubbornly give her in marriage. Another said: "The king recognizes these princes and honors them with the sages, with all reverence. But, friend, the king will not abandon his vow; under the sway of fate, he clings stubbornly to his resolve. Another said: "If the Creator is good, he grants the fitting fruit to all. Then Janaki will meet this bridegroom; there is no doubt here, friend. If fate brings about such a union, then all people will be fulfilled. Friend, our longing is very great; may they come here sometime for this very reason."

Verse 465 (दोहा/सोरठा)

नाहिं त हम कहुँ सुनहु सखि इन्ह कर दरसनु दूरि। यह संघटु तब होइ जब पुन्य पुराकृत भूरि।।222।।

If not, then, my friend, listen to me: the sight of them is far beyond our reach. This matter will come to pass only when there is an abundance of merit earned in past lives.

Verse 466 (चौपाई)

बोली अपर कहेहु सखि नीका। एहिं बिआह अति हित सबहीं का।। कोउ कह संकर चाप कठोरा। ए स्यामल मृदुगात किसोरा।। सबु असमंजस अहइ सयानी। यह सुनि अपर कहइ मृदु बानी।। सखि इन्ह कहँ कोउ कोउ अस कहहीं। बड़ प्रभाउ देखत लघु अहहीं।। परसि जासु पद पंकज धूरी। तरी अहल्या कृत अघ भूरी।। सो कि रहिहि बिनु सिवधनु तोरें। यह प्रतीति परिहरिअ न भोरें।। जेहिं बिरंचि रचि सीय सँवारी। तेहिं स्यामल बरु रचेउ बिचारी।। तासु बचन सुनि सब हरषानीं। ऐसेइ होउ कहहिं मुदु बानी।।

Another friend spoke and said, "Friend, this advice is good; this marriage is for the benefit of all." Someone said, "Shankara's bow is hard, but this dark youth has a tender body." All this talk is mere confusion, said a wise woman; hearing this, another spoke gentle words. "Friend, some say this and some say that about them; seeing their great power, they are not insignificant." By touching the dust of whose lotus feet, Ahalya was delivered from her heavy sin. Will he remain without breaking Shiva's bow? Let this doubt not be set aside even for a moment. He by whom Brahma fashioned and adorned Sita, that same one, considering, created this dark bridegroom. Hearing her words, all the friends rejoiced and said with gentle speech, "May it be so."

Verse 467 (दोहा/सोरठा)

हियँ हरषहिं बरषहिं सुमन सुमुखि सुलोचनि बृंद। जाहिं जहाँ जहँ बंधु दोउ तहँ तहँ परमानंद।।223।।

In their hearts they rejoiced, and the fair-faced, lotus-eyed maidens rained flowers. Wherever the two brothers went, there was supreme bliss.

Verse 468 (चौपाई)

पुर पूरब दिसि गे दोउ भाई। जहँ धनुमख हित भूमि बनाई।। अति बिस्तार चारु गच ढारी। बिमल बेदिका रुचिर सँवारी।। चहुँ दिसि कंचन मंच बिसाला। रचे जहाँ बेठहिं महिपाला।। तेहि पाछें समीप चहुँ पासा। अपर मंच मंडली बिलासा।। कछुक ऊँचि सब भाँति सुहाई। बैठहिं नगर लोग जहँ जाई।। तिन्ह के निकट बिसाल सुहाए। धवल धाम बहुबरन बनाए।। जहँ बैंठैं देखहिं सब नारी। जथा जोगु निज कुल अनुहारी।। पुर बालक कहि कहि मृदु बचना। सादर प्रभुहि देखावहिं रचना।।

The two brothers went to the eastern part of the city, where a site had been prepared for the bow ceremony. It was very spacious and bore beautiful trees; a pure platform was made there, charmingly arranged. On all four sides were great golden platforms where the kings were seated. Near them, on all sides, were other platforms, a circle of delight. Somewhat raised and beautiful in every way, there the citizens sat when they came. Close to them were splendid white mansions made in many colors. There the women sat and watched everything, each according to her station and her family's custom. The city's children, speaking gentle words again and again, respectfully showed the Lord the sights.

Verse 469 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सब सिसु एहि मिस प्रेमबस परसि मनोहर गात। तन पुलकहिं अति हरषु हियँ देखि देखि दोउ भ्रात।।224।।

All the children, thus overcome with love, touched the enchanting bodies of the two brothers. Their bodies thrilled with joy, and their hearts were filled with delight as they gazed and gazed upon the two brothers.

Verse 470 (चौपाई)

सिसु सब राम प्रेमबस जाने। प्रीति समेत निकेत बखाने।। निज निज रुचि सब लेंहिं बोलाई। सहित सनेह जाहिं दोउ भाई।। राम देखावहिं अनुजहि रचना। कहि मृदु मधुर मनोहर बचना।। लव निमेष महँ भुवन निकाया। रचइ जासु अनुसासन माया।। भगति हेतु सोइ दीनदयाला। चितवत चकित धनुष मखसाला।। कौतुक देखि चले गुरु पाहीं। जानि बिलंबु त्रास मन माहीं।। जासु त्रास डर कहुँ डर होई। भजन प्रभाउ देखावत सोई।। कहि बातें मृदु मधुर सुहाईं। किए बिदा बालक बरिआई।।

All the boys knew that Rama was under the sway of love; they described his dwelling with affection. Each one called him according to his own liking; both brothers went with love. Rama showed his younger brother the creations, speaking soft, sweet, and enchanting words. In a mere moment He sets forth the world, whose governance is maya. He, the merciful to the humble, for the sake of devotion, gazed in wonder at the bow in the sacrifice hall. Seeing the wonder, they went to the guru; knowing delay, there was fear in the heart. Whose fear becomes fear itself, that same one shows the power of devotion. Speaking soft, sweet, and pleasing words, the boys took leave with grace.

Verse 471 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सभय सप्रेम बिनीत अति सकुच सहित दोउ भाइ। गुर पद पंकज नाइ सिर बैठे आयसु पाइ।।225।।

Both brothers, modest, full of love, exceedingly humble and bashful, bowing their heads at the guru's lotus feet, sat down after receiving permission.

Verse 472 (चौपाई)

निसि प्रबेस मुनि आयसु दीन्हा। सबहीं संध्याबंदनु कीन्हा।। कहत कथा इतिहास पुरानी। रुचिर रजनि जुग जाम सिरानी।। मुनिबर सयन कीन्हि तब जाई। लगे चरन चापन दोउ भाई।। जिन्ह के चरन सरोरुह लागी। करत बिबिध जप जोग बिरागी।। तेइ दोउ बंधु प्रेम जनु जीते। गुर पद कमल पलोटत प्रीते।। बारबार मुनि अग्या दीन्ही। रघुबर जाइ सयन तब कीन्ही।। चापत चरन लखनु उर लाएँ। सभय सप्रेम परम सचु पाएँ।। पुनि पुनि प्रभु कह सोवहु ताता। पौढ़े धरि उर पद जलजाता।।

At nightfall the sage gave permission; all performed the evening prayers. They told tales from the ancient Puranas; the lovely night passed as if it were but a moment. Then the great sage went to rest; both brothers began to press his feet. Those whose feet are like lotuses, who practice various japa, yoga, and detachment. Those two brothers, as if conquered by love, lovingly pressed the guru's lotus feet. Again and again the sage gave command; Raghunatha then went to rest. Lakshmana, pressing his feet, held them to his heart; with reverence and love he attained the supreme truth. Again and again the Lord said, "Sleep, dear one," placing his lotus feet upon his heart.

Verse 473 (दोहा/सोरठा)

उठे लखन निसि बिगत सुनि अरुनसिखा धुनि कान।। गुर तें पहिलेहिं जगतपति जागे रामु सुजान।।226।।

Lakshmana rose at night, hearing the dawn's first light and the sound in his ears. Before the guru, the Lord of the world, wise Rama, had already awakened.

Verse 474 (चौपाई)

सकल सौच करि जाइ नहाए। नित्य निबाहि मुनिहि सिर नाए।। समय जानि गुर आयसु पाई। लेन प्रसून चले दोउ भाई।। भूप बागु बर देखेउ जाई। जहँ बसंत रितु रही लोभाई।। लागे बिटप मनोहर नाना। बरन बरन बर बेलि बिताना।। नव पल्लव फल सुमान सुहाए। निज संपति सुर रूख लजाए।। चातक कोकिल कीर चकोरा। कूजत बिहग नटत कल मोरा।। मध्य बाग सरु सोह सुहावा। मनि सोपान बिचित्र बनावा।। बिमल सलिलु सरसिज बहुरंगा। जलखग कूजत गुंजत भृंगा।।

Having performed all purifications, they went to bathe; daily they served the sage and bowed their heads. Knowing the proper time and receiving the guru's permission, both brothers went to gather flowers. They went and saw the king's fine garden, where the spring season remained, enchanting all. There stood trees of many kinds, enchanting and beautiful; bowers of creepers of various hues. New leaves, fruits, and flowers adorned them; with their wealth they put the celestial trees to shame. Chatakas, koels, parrots, and chakoras sang; birds called out, and peacocks danced. In the midst of the garden shone a lovely lake, with jeweled steps of wondrous design. Its clear water was filled with lotuses of many colors; waterbirds sang, and bees hummed.

Verse 475 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बागु तड़ागु बिलोकि प्रभु हरषे बंधु समेत। परम रम्य आरामु यहु जो रामहि सुख देत।।227।।

Seeing the garden and the lake, the Lord rejoiced together with his brother. This is a most delightful retreat, which brings joy to Rama.

Verse 476 (चौपाई)

चहुँ दिसि चितइ पूँछि मालिगन। लगे लेन दल फूल मुदित मन।। तेहि अवसर सीता तहँ आई। गिरिजा पूजन जननि पठाई।। संग सखीं सब सुभग सयानी। गावहिं गीत मनोहर बानी।। सर समीप गिरिजा गृह सोहा। बरनि न जाइ देखि मनु मोहा।। मज्जनु करि सर सखिन्ह समेता। गई मुदित मन गौरि निकेता।। पूजा कीन्हि अधिक अनुरागा। निज अनुरूप सुभग बरु मागा।। एक सखी सिय संगु बिहाई। गई रही देखन फुलवाई।। तेहि दोउ बंधु बिलोके जाई। प्रेम बिबस सीता पहिं आई।।

Looking in all four directions and asking the gardeners, he began to gather flowers with a gladdened heart. At that very moment Sita came there, sent by her mother to worship Girija. All her companions were lovely and wise, and they sang songs with enchanting words. Near the lake shone the shrine of Girija; its beauty cannot be described, and the heart was entranced at the sight. Having bathed in the lake together with her friends, Gauri went to her home with a joyful heart. She performed the worship with great devotion and asked for a husband suited to her own beauty. One companion, leaving Sita behind, went to see the flower-garden. Seeing the two brothers there, she came to Sita, overcome with love.

Verse 477 (दोहा/सोरठा)

तासु दसा देखि सखिन्ह पुलक गात जलु नैन। कहु कारनु निज हरष कर पूछहि सब मृदु बैन।।228।।

Seeing her condition, the companions had horripilation all over their bodies and tears in their eyes. They asked her the cause of her joy, questioning her all with gentle words.

Verse 478 (चौपाई)

देखन बागु कुअँर दुइ आए। बय किसोर सब भाँति सुहाए।। स्याम गौर किमि कहौं बखानी। गिरा अनयन नयन बिनु बानी।। सुनि हरषीं सब सखीं सयानी। सिय हियँ अति उतकंठा जानी।। एक कहइ नृपसुत तेइ आली। सुने जे मुनि सँग आए काली।। जिन्ह निज रूप मोहनी डारी। कीन्ह स्वबस नगर नर नारी।। बरनत छबि जहँ तहँ सब लोगू। अवसि देखिअहिं देखन जोगू।। तासु वचन अति सियहि सुहाने। दरस लागि लोचन अकुलाने।। चली अग्र करि प्रिय सखि सोई। प्रीति पुरातन लखइ न कोई।।

Two princes came to see the garden, both in the bloom of youth and beautiful in every way. One dark, one fair; how shall I describe them? Their speech was without eyes, their eyes without speech. Hearing this, all the wise companions rejoiced, and in Sita's heart there arose great longing. One of the maidens said to the princess: "Listen, they have come with the sages at this very time. They have cast a spell of beauty by their own form, and have brought the men and women of the city under their sway. Everyone is describing their beauty everywhere; they must surely be seen, for they are worthy of being seen." Her words were most pleasing to Sita, and her eyes grew restless with longing for a sight of them. She went ahead, making that dear friend her guide; no one perceived the ancient love between them.

Verse 479 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुमिरि सीय नारद बचन उपजी प्रीति पुनीत।। चकित बिलोकति सकल दिसि जनु सिसु मृगी सभीत।।229।।

Remembering Sita, Narada's words bore fruit, and a sacred love arose. She looked about in wonder in every direction, like a frightened young deer.