8 | Śrī Rāma Carita Mānasa Stotra

Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa accompanied the sage and reached the bank of the Gaṅgā, the stream of which purifies the whole universe. The son of Gādhi, Viśvāmitra, related the whole legend how the celestial stream had come down upon earth. The Lord then performed His ablutions with all the sages, and the Brāhmaṇas received gifts of various kinds. Accompanied by a troop of hermits the Lord gladly proceeded further and quickly drew near to the capital of the Videhas, Mithilā. When Śrī Rāma beheld the beauty of the city, He as well as His younger brother were much delighted. There were many big and small wells, rivers and tanks with water as sweet as nectar and reached by flights of steps made of jewels. Bees, drunk with honey, made a sweet humming sound and birds of various hues softly cooed. Lotuses of different colours opened their petals; while a cool, soft and fragrant breeze ever delighted the soul. (1 - 4)

The city was adorned on all sides with flower - gardens, orchards and groves, the haunt of innumerable birds, full of blossoms, fruits and charming leaves. (212)

The beauty of the city surpassed description; every inch of it was soul-captivating.

There was a lovely bazar and gorgeous balconies made of jewels, fashioned as it were, by the Creator with his own hands. Wealthy and good merchants, who vied with Kubera (the god of wealth), sat with all their various goods. Beautiful crossings of roads and charming streets were constantly sprinkled with scented waters. The houses of all were abodes of bliss and contained beautiful wall-paintings portrayed, as it were, by Rati’s lord (Cupid) himself. The people of the city, both men and women, were good-looking, pious, saintly, virtuous, wise and accomplished. The palace of King Janaka was most marvellous, the sight of whose splendour astounded even gods. Even the fortification wall filled the mind with wonder; it seemed as if it had enclosed within its limits the beauty of the whole universe. (1 - 4)

White palaces were screened here and there by bejewelled gold tapestries of various beautiful designs; while the exquisite palace where Sītā lived was far too lovely for words to describe. (213)

The entrances to the palace were all beautiful and hard like thunder bolt (or made of diamond). They were always thronged with feudatory princes, dancers, panegyrists and bards. There were spacious stables and stalls for elephants, which were crowded at all times with steeds, elephants and chariots. The king had a number of brave ministers and generals. They all owned mansions that vied with the royal palace. In the outskirts of the city by the side of lakes and rivers numerous princes had encamped here and there. On seeing a fine mango-grove, which was comfortable and agreeable in everyway, the sage Kauśika (Viśvāmitra) said, “O wise hero of Raghu’s race, I like this orchard; let us stay here.” “Very well, my lord!” answered the gracious Lord, and encamped there with all the hermitsí train . When the king of Mithilā got the news that the great sage Viśvāmitra had come. (1 - 4)

He took with him his faithful ministers, a number of warriors, noble Brāhmaṇas, his family preceptor (Śatānanda) and the chief of his kinsmen, and thus went forth rejoicing to meet the formost among sages. (214)

Placing his head on the sage’s feet the king made obeisance to him; while the lord of the sages, Viśvāmitra, gladly gave him his blessing. The king then respectfully saluted the Brāhmaṇas and congratulated himself on his good fortune (in being able to receive them). Inquiring again and again about his welfare, Viśvāmitra led the king to a seat. At that very time arrived the two half-brothers, who had gone to see the garden. One dark and the other fair, the two lads were yet tender of age. The delight of all eyes, they stole the heart of the whole world. All those present there rose when the Lord of Raghus came; and Viśvāmitra seated Him by his side. They were all delighted to see the two brothers: tears rushed to their eyes and the hair on their body bristled with joy. Beholding Śrī Rāma’s lovely and charming form, King Videha (Janaka) was particularly beside himself with joy. (1 - 4)

Finding his heart overwhelmed with love the king recovered himself by recourse to reason and, bowing his head at the sage’s feet, spoke the following pregnant words in a voice choked with emotion: - (215)

“Tell me, my lord: are these two pretty boys the ornament of a sage’s family or the protectors of some royal dynasty? Or, is it that Brahma (the Absolute), whom the Vedas describe in negative terms such as “Not thatí (Neti), has appeared in a dual form? My mind, which is dispassion itself in its natural form, is enraptured at their sight even as the Chakora bird is transported with joy at the sight of the moon. Therefore, Sir, I earnestly inquire of you: tell me the truth, my Lord; hide nothing from me. Deeply attached to them at their very sight, my mind has perforce renounced the joy of absorption into Brahma.” The sage smilingly answered, “You have spoken well, O king; your words can never be untrue. Whatever living beings there are in this world, they all love these boys.” Śrī Rāma smiled within Himself on hearing these words. “They are the sons of King Daśaratha, the jewel of Raghu’s race; the king has sent them for my cause. (1 - 4)

These two noble brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, are the embodiments of beauty, virtue and strength. The whole world knows that they conquered the demons in battle and protected my sacrifice from harm.” (216)

“When I behold your feet, O sage,” added the king, “I cannot tell what a great merit I have earned in the past. These two brothers, one of whom is dark of hue and the other fair, are the delight of delight itself. Their guileless affection for each other is beyond description; it is so agreeable and soul-ravishing.” “Listen to me, my lord,” continued King Videha rejoicing, “they have natural affinity for each other like the one existing between Brahma (the Supreme Spirit) and Jīva (the individual soul).” The king gazed upon the Lord over and over again; the hair on his body stood on end and his heart overflowed with joy. Extolling the sage and bowing his head at the latter’s feet, the king escorted him to his capital, and lodged the sage in a beautiful palace which was comfortable at all times. Then, after further homage and rendering all kinds of service to him, the king took leave of the sage and returned to his own palace. (1 - 4)

Having dined with the seers and rested awhile, Lord Śrī Rāma, the Jewel of Raghu’s race, sat down by His brother’s side, a quarter of the day still remained. (217)

Lakṣmaṇa felt in his heart a great longing to go and see Janaka’s capital. He was, however, afraid of the Lord and stood in awe of the sage; therefore he did not openly declare it and smiled within himself. Śrī Rāma understood what was passing in His younger brother’s mind; and His heart overflowed with a kindly feeling for His devotee. Taking leave of His preceptor to speak, He smilingly spoke with much diffidence in most polite terms,” My lord, Lakṣmaṇa longs to see the city, but out of fear and respect for you he does not make it known to you. If I have your permission, I will take him round the city and quickly bring him back.” Hearing this the chief of sages, Viśvāmitra, replied in affectionate terms, “It is no wonder, Rāma, that You should respect good manners. You are the upholder of the moral code, my son, and bring joy to Your servants out of love for them. (1 - 4)

“Go, blissful pair of brothers, and having seen the city come back. Bless the eyes of all by showing them your charming countenance.” (218)

Saluting the lotus-feet of the sage the two brothers, the delight of the eyes of the whole world, departed. Beholding the exquisite beauty of the two brothers troops of boys followed them, their eyes and mind being enamoured of it. Clad in yellow garments they had a quiver fastened at their back, with a cloth (of the same colour) wrapped round their waist; their hands were adorned with a graceful bow and arrow respectively. The beautiful pair, one of whom was dark and the other fair, had streaks of (red or white) sandalwood paste painted on their body so as to match the complexion. With a neck as well-built as the lion’s and long arms they had on their bosom an exquisite string of pearls obtained from the forehead of elephants. Their lovely eyes resembled the red lotus; and the moon-like face relieved the threefold agony. Their ears were adorned with pendants of gold, which stole as it were, the heart of those who looked on them. They cast a bewitching glance and had a pair of arched and shapely eyebrows; the lines of the sectarian mark on the forehead looked as if beauty had been sealed there. (1 - 4)

Their beautiful head was covered with a charming rectangular cap and dark curly locks. The two brothers were lovely from head to foot; the beauty of every limb was as it should be. (219)

When the citizens received the news that the two princes had come to see the town, they all left their business and ran out of their homes as if paupers were out to grab a valuable property. Beholding the natural grace of two brothers, they were glad at heart and attained the consummation of their eyes. Sticking to the air-holes of their houses young ladies lovingly scanned Śrī Rāma’s beauty. They fondly spoke to one another in the following words: “O friend, He has surpassed in beauty millions of Cupids. Nowhere among gods, men, demons, Nāgas or sages do we hear of such beauty. God Viṣṇu is endowed with four arms, Brahmā has four face, while Śiva, the Slayer of Tripura, has a frightful garb and five faces. O friend, there is no other god who could stand comparison with this beauty. (1 - 4)

“The two lads, one dark and the other fair, are yet of tender age and are repositories of beauty and abodes of bliss. Millions and hundreds of millions of Cupids are worth sacrificing to each one of their limbs.” (220)

“Tell me, friend, what embodied being is there that would not be charmed to see such beauty?” One of them lovingly said in gentle tones, “Hear, my dear, what I have been told. These two lads, a beautiful pair of cygnets as it were, are sons of King Daśaratha; they are the protectors of Kauśika’s sacrifice, and have slain demons in the field of battle. He who has a swarthy form and has charming lotus-like eyes and who has quelled the pride of Mārīca and Subāhu, wielding a bow and shaft in His hands, is Kauśalya’s son, Rāma by name, the very fountain of bliss. The fair youth in gallant attire, who is closely following Śrī Rāma, a bow and arrow in hand, is the latter’s younger brother and is named Lakṣmaṇa. Sumitrā, friend, is his mother, you must know. (1 - 4)

“Having accomplished the object of the Brāhmaṇa, Viśvāmitra, and redeeming the sage’s wife, Ahalyā, on the way, the two brothers have come here to witness the bow- sacrifice.” All the ladies were delighted to hear this. (221)

Beholding Śrī Rāma’s beauty someone said, “Here is a bridegroom worthy of Princess Jānakī. If the king does but see him, friend, I am sure he will abandon his vow and insist upon their marriage.” Said another, “The king has come to know them and has received them as well as the sage with all honour. But the king, my dear, refuses to give up his vow and, as Fate would have it, persists in his folly.” Yet another said,” If providence is good and, as we are told, gives every man his due, then Jānakī is sure to have him as her bridegroom. About this, my dear, there can be no doubt. If such a union is brought about by Providence, everyone will have realized one’s object. My impatience, friend, is augmented by the thought that this alliance will impel him to visit this place again. (1 - 4)

“Otherwise, my dear, it is out of question for us, I tell you, to see Him again. Such an event can take place only when we have a rich stock of merit accumulated in previous existences.” (222)

Someone else said, “Friend, you have spoken well. This union will be conducive to the best interests of all.” Still another said, “Śaṅkara’s bow is hard to bend, while this swarthy lad is of delicate frame. Everything, my dear, is out of place,” Hearing this, another said in a soft voice, “Friend, with regard to this lad I have heard some people say that, though small in appearance, He wields a great power. Touched by the dust of His lotus-feet Ahalyā, who had perpetrated a great sin, attained salvation. He will, therefore, surely break Śiva’s bow; one should never commit the mistake of giving up this faith. The same Creator, who fashioned Sītā with great skill, has preordained for her this dark-complexioned bridegroom.” Everyone was pleased to hear the words of this lady and softly exclaimed “Amen!” (1 - 4)

In their gladness of heart troops of fair-faced, bright-eyed dames rained flowers on the princes. Wherever the two brothers went, there was supreme joy. (223)

The two brothers reached the eastern quarter of the city, where the arena for the bow-sacrifice had been got ready. In the midst of a beautiful and spacious paved area a spotless altar was richly adorned. On the four sides of this altar were erected elevated and broad seats of gold to be occupied by the princes. Not far behind and surrounding them on all sides shone another circular tier of raised seats, which was of somewhat greater height and beautiful in every way, and where the people of the city might come and take their seat. Close to these were constructed spacious and beautiful galleries of glistening white, painted in diverse colours, whence ladies might view the spectacle seated in their appropriate places according to their family rank. The children of the town politely showed the Lord all the preparations speaking to Him in gentle words. (1 - 4)

Thus finding an occasion for touching their charming limbs all the children were overwhelmed with love, experienced a thrill all over their body and their heart overflowed with joy on seeing the two brothers again and again. (224)

Finding all the children under the spell of affection, Śrī Rāma lovingly extolled the places shown by them. All of them would call the two brothers wherever they pleased and the two brothers went to them out of loving kindness. Śrī Rāma showed to His younger brother the arrangements that had been made there, speaking to him in soft, sweet and agreeable words. He in obedience to whose fiat Māyā brings forth multitudes of universes in the quarter of a second, the same gracious Lord, conquered by devotion, looks with amazement on the arena for the bow-sacrifice. Having seen the whole show the two brothers returned to their Guru; but the thought of their being late disturbed their mind. The Lord, whose sublimity inspires terror into Terror itself thus manifests the glory of devotion. With many kind and courteous phrases they took leave of the youngsters much against the latter’s will. (1 - 4)

Meekly and most submissively, with a mingled feeling of awe and love the two brothers bowed their head at the lotus feet of the preceptor (Viśvāmitra) and sat down with his permission. (225)

At the approach of night the sage (Viśvāmitra) gave the word and all performed their evening devotions; and while the sage recited old legends and narratives, two watches of the beautiful night passed. The chief of the sages, Viśvāmitra, then retired to his bed; and the two brothers began to shampooed his legs. The couple whose lotus legs are sought by men of dispassion muttering various sacred formulae and practising different kinds of Yoga (means of union with God) lovingly rubbed the lotus-like feet of their Guru, conquered as it were by his love. When the sage asked Him again and again, the Chief of Raghu’s race went to bed only then. Lakṣmaṇa pressed the Lord’s feet to his bosom and shampooed them with reverence and love deriving supreme joy from this service. It was only when the Lord repeatedly said, ““Retire now, my brother,” that he laid himself down cherishing his Brother’s lotus feet in his heart. (1 - 4)

Towards the close of night, at the craway of cock, got up Lakṣmaṇa. The Lord of the universe, the all-wise Śrī Rāma, also woke before His preceptor. (226)

Having performed all the customary acts of purification, they went and finished their ablutions; and having gone through their daily routine of devotions etc., they bowed before the sage. When the time came, the two brothers took leave of the preceptor and went out to gather flowers. Having gone out they saw the lovely royal garden, enamoured of whose beauty the vernal season had taken its permanent abode there. It was planted with charming trees of various kinds and overhung with beautiful creepers of different colours. Rich in fresh leaf, fruit and flower they put to shame even Kalpavrikṣa trees by their affluence. The feathered choir of the Chātakas, cuckoos, parrots and Chakoras warbled and peacocks beautifully danced. In the centre of the garden a lovely lake shone bright with flights of steps made of many-coloured gems. Its limpid water contained lotuses of various colours and was vocal with the cooing of aquatic birds and the humming of bees. (1 - 4)

Both the Lord and His brother were delighted to behold the garden with its lake. Most lovely must have been that garden which delighted even Śrī Rāma (lit., the delighter of all)! (227)

After looking all about, and with the consent of the gardeners, the two brothers began in high glee to gather leaves and flowers. On that very occasion Sītā too arrived there, having been sent by Her mother to worship Girijā. She was accompanied by Her girl-companions, who were all lovely and intelligent. They sang melodies in an enchanting voice. Close to the lake stood a temple, sacred to Girijā, which was beautiful beyond description, and captivated the mind of those who looked at it. Having taken a dip into the lake with Her companions, Sītā went with a glad heart to Girijā’s temple. She offered worship with great devotion and begged of the Goddess a handsome match worthy of Her. One of Her companions had strayed away from Her in order to have a look at the garden. She chanced to behold the two brothers and returned to Sītā overwhelmed with love. (1 - 4)

When her companions saw her condition, her body thrilling all over and her eyes full of tears, they all asked her in gentle tones, “Tell us what gladdens your heart.” (228)

“Two princes have come to see the garden, both of tender age and charming in every way, one dark of hue and the other fair; how shall I describe them? For speech is sightless, while the eyes are mute.” All the clever maidens were delighted to hear this. Perceiving the intense longing in Sītā’s bosom one of them said, ”They must be the two princes, my dear, who, I was told, arrived yesterday with the sage (Viśvāmitra), and who have captivated the heart of men and women of the city by casting the spell of their beauty. All are talking of their loveliness here, there and everywhere. We must see them, for they are worth seeing.” The words of this damsel highly pleased Sītā; Her eyes were restless for the sight of the princes. With that kind friend to lead the way She followed; no one knew that Hers was an old love. (1 - 4)

Recollecting Nārada’s words She was filled with innocent love; and with anxious eyes She gazed all round like a startled fawn. (229)

Hearing the tinkling of bangles, the small bells tied round the waist and the anklets Śrī Rāma thought within Himself and then said to Lakṣmaṇa, “It seems as if Cupid has sounded his kettledrum with intent to conquer the universe.” So saying, He looked once again in the same direction (whence the sound came); and lo! His eyes feasted themselves on Sītā’s countenance even as the Chakora bird gazes on the moon. His charming eyes became motionless, as if Nimi (the god of winking) had left the eyelids out of shyness. Śrī Rāma was filled with rapture to behold Sītā’s beauty; He admired it in His heart, but utterance failed Him. He felt as if the Creator had put his whole creative skill in visible form and demonstrated it to the world at large. “She lends charm to charm itself,” He said to Himself, “and looks as if a flame of light is burning in a house of beauty. The similes already employed by the poets are all stale and hackneyed; to whom shall I liken the daughter of Videha?” (1 - 4)

Thus describing to Himself Sītā’s loveliness and reflecting on His own condition the Lord innocently spoke to His younger brother in terms appropriate to the occasion: - (230)

“Brother, she is no other than the daughter of King Janaka, for whom the bow- sacrifice is being arranged. She has been escorted by her girl-companions to worship Goddess Gaurī and is moving about in the garden diffusing light all about her. My heart which is naturally pure, is agitated by the sight of Her transcendent beauty. The reason of all this is known to God alone; but I tell you, brother, my right limbs are throbbing, which is an index of coming good fortune. It is a natural trait with the race of Raghu that they never set their heart on evil courses. As for myself I am fully confident of My mind, which has never sought another’s wife even in a dream. Rare in this world are those noble men who never turn their back on the foe in battle nor give their heart to or cast an amorous glance on another’s wife, and from whom no beggar meets with a rebuff.   (1 - 4)

While Śrī Rāma was talking to His younger brother in this strain, His mind, which was enamoured of Sītā’s beauty, was all the time drinking in the loveliness of Her countenance, like a bee sucking the nectar from a lotus. (231)

Sītā looked surprisingly all round; Her mind was at a loss as to where the princes had gone. Wherever the fawn-eyed princess cast Her glance, a continuous stream of white lotuses seemed to rain there. Her companions then pointed out to Her the two lovely brothers, the one dark, the other fair of hue, standing behind a fence of creepers. Beholding the beauty of the two princes Her eyes were filled with greed; they rejoiced as if they had discovered their long-lost treasure. The eyes became motionless at the sight of Śrī Rāma’s loveliness; the eyelids too forgot to fall. Due to excess of love Her body-consciousness began to fail; it looked as if a Chakora bird were gazing at the autumnal moon. Receiving Śrī Rāma into the heart through the passage of the eyes, She cleverly shut Him up there by closing the doors of Her eyelids. When Her girl-companions found Sītā overpowered with love, they were too much abashed to utter a word. (1 - 4)

At that very moment the two brothers emerged from a bower. It looked as if a pair of spotless moons had shone forth tearing the veil of cloud. (232)

The two gallant heroes were the very perfection of beauty; their bodies resembled in hue a blue and a yellow lotus respectively. Charming peacock-feathers adorned their head, which had bunches of flower-buds stuck here and there. A sectarian mark and beads of perspiration glistened on their brow; while graceful pendants shed their lustre on their ears. With arched eyebrows and curly locks, eyes red as a lotus-bud and a lovely chin, nose and cheeks their gracious smile was soul-enthralling. The beauty of their countenance was more than I can describe; it would put to shame a myriad Cupids. They had a string of jewels on their breast; their lovely neck resembled a conch-shell in its spiral shape; while their mighty arms vied with the trunk of a young elephant, who was the very incarnation of Cupid. With a cup of leaves full of flowers in His left hand the dark-hued prince, my dear, is most charming. (1 - 4)

Beholding the Ornament of the solar race, who had a slender waist like that of a lion and was clad in yellow, and who was the very embodiment of beauty and amiability, Sītā’s companions forgot their very existence. (233)

Recovering herself, one of Her clever companions grasped Sītā by the hand and said to Her, “Meditate on Gaurī afterwards; why not behold the princes just now?” Sītā then bashfully opened Her eyes and saw the two lions of Raghu’s race opposite Herself. Surveying Śrī Rāma’s beauty from foot to head, and remembering Her father’s vow she felt much perturbed. When Sītā’s companions saw Her thus overcome with love, they all cried in alarm: “We are already late.” “Let us come again at this very hour tomorrow!” So saying one of them smiled within herself. Sītā blushed at this pregnant remark. She got afraid of Her mother; for she felt it was already late. Recovering Herself with considerable effort she received Śrī Rāma into Her heart and conscious of Her dependence on Her sire returned home. (1 - 4)

Under pretence of looking at a deer, bird or tree She turned again and again; and each time She gazed on the beauteous Hero of Raghu’s race, Her love waxed not a little. (234)

Drooping at the thought of the unyielding bow of Śiva, She proceeded with the image of the swarthy form in Her heart. When the Lord perceived that Janaka’s Daughter, a fountain of bliss, affection, grace and goodness, was going, He sketched Her on the sheet of His heart with the soft ink of supreme love. Sītā then sought Bhavānī’s temple and, adoring Her feet, prayed to Her with joined palms: “Glory, all glory to You, O Daughter of the mountain-king! Glory to You, who gaze on the countenance of the great Lord Śiva as a Cakora bird on the moon. Glory to You, O Mother of the elephant-headed Gaṇeśa and the six-faced Kārtikeya and mother of the universe with limbs shining as lightning. You have no beginning, middle or end; Your infinite glory is a mystery even to the Vedas. You are responsible for the birth, maintenance and destruction of the universe; You enchant the whole universe and carry on Your sports independently of others. (1 - 4)

“Of all good women who adore their husband as a god, Mother, You rank foremost. Your immeasurable greatness is more than a thousand Śāradās and Śeṣas could tell.” (235)

“The fourfold rewards of life (viz., religious merit, worldly riches, sensuous enjoyment and Liberation) are easily attainable through Your service, O bestower of boons, beloved of Śiva (the Slayer of Tripura)! All who adore Your lotus feet, O Shining One, attain happiness, be they gods, men or sages. You know well my heart’s longing since You ever dwell in the town of every heart. That is why I have refrained from openly declaring it.” With these words Videha’s Daughter clasped the feet of the image. Bhavānī was overcome by Her meekness and devotion; the wreath on the image dropped and the idol smiled. Sītā reverently placed the divine gift on Her head. Gaurī’s heart was filled with delight while She spoke, “Hear, Sītā, my infallible blessing: Your heart’s desire shall be accomplished. Nārada’s words are ever faultless and true; the suitor on whom Your heart is set shall, indeed, be Yours. (1 - 4)

“The dark-complexioned and naturally handsome suitor of whom You are enamoured shall, indeed, be Yours. The gracious and omniscient Lord is aware of your fidelity and love.” Sītā and all Her companions were delighted at heart to hear this blessing from Gaurī’s lips. Worshipping Goddess Bhavānī again and again Sītā, says Tulasīdāsa, returned to Her abode, rejoicing in Her heart.

Finding Gaurī favourably disposed towards Her, Sītā was more glad of heart than words can tell. Her left limbs began to throb, indicating Her source of good fortune. (236)

Inwardly praising Sītā’s beauty, the two brothers returned to their Guru (Viśvāmitra). Śrī Rāma related everything to Kauśika; for He was innocent of heart and free from all guile. Having got the flowers the sage performed his devotions and then blessed the two brothers, saying, “May your heart’s desire be accomplished.” Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa were glad to hear the benediction. After finishing his meals the great and illumined hermit, Viśvāmitra, began to recite old legends. The day was thus spent; and obtaining the Guru’s permission the two brothers proceeded to say their evening prayers. In the meantime the charming moon rose in the eastern horizon; perceiving that her orb resembled Sītā’s face Śrī Rāma felt happy. The Lord then reasoned within Himself. The queen of night bears no resemblance to Sītā. (1 - 4)

“Born of the ocean (with its salt water), with poison for her brother, dim and obscure by the day and with a dark spot in her orb, how can the poor and wretched moon be matched with Sītā’s countenance?” (237)

“Again, the moon waxes and wanes; she is the curse of lovesick damsels and is devoured by Rāhu when she crosses the latter’s orbit. She causes anguish to the Cakravāka (the ruddy goose) and withers the lotus. O moon, there are numerous faults in you. One would incur the blame of having done a highly improper act by comparing you with the countenance of Videha’s daughter.” Thus finding in the moon a pretext for extolling the beauty of Sītā’s countenance and perceiving that the night had far advanced, Śrī Rāma returned to His Guru; and bowing at the sage’s lotus feet and receiving his permission He retired to rest. At the close of night the Lord of Raghus woke; and looking towards His brother He began to speak thus, ““Lo, brother, the day has dawned to the delight of the lotus, the Cakravāka and the whole world.” Joining both of his palms Lakṣmaṇa gently spoke the following words indicative of the Lord’s glory: - (1 - 4)

“The day having dawned, the lily has faded and the brightness of the stars is dimmed, just as at the news of Your arrival all the princes (assembled here) have grown faint.” (238)

“Though twinkling like stars, all the princes put together are unable to lift the thick darkness in the form of the bow. And just as lotuses and bees and the Cakravāka and various other birds rejoice over the termination of night, even so, my lord, all Your devotees will be glad when the bow is broken. Lo, the sun is up and the darkness has automatically disappeared; the stars have vanished out of sight and light flashes upon the world. Under pretence of its rising, O Lord of Raghus, the sun has demonstrated to all the princes the glory of my lord (Yourself). It is in order to reveal the might of Your arms that the process of breaking the bow has been set into operation.” The Lord smiled at these remarks of His brother. He who is pure by His very nature then performed the daily acts of purification and bathed, and after finishing the daily routine of prayer etc., called on His Guru and the two brothers bowed their graceful heads at his lotus feet. Meanwhile King Janaka summoned his preceptor Śatānanda and sent him at once to the sage Kauśika. Śatānanda communicated to Viśvāmitra Janaka’s humble submission and Viśvāmitra gladly sent for the two brothers. (1 - 5)

Adoring Śatānanda’s feet the Lord went and sat down by His Guru; the sage then said, “Come on, my son: Janaka has sent for us.” (239)

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