Flowers Fall as Raghunatha Gives Maricha His Own Abode
Aranya Kanda, Doha 27
Doha 27 · Movement 2 of 2
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Maricha lies where Rama's arrow has ended the long pursuit. Above the forest, the gods behold the compassion concealed within that death. They release abundant flowers, and the blossoms descend through branches still trembling from the chase.
Celestial voices sing the glory of the Lord. Their praise gathers around Raghunatha not only as the archer who pierced the deceptive deer, but as the friend of the helpless who knew the love hidden in the dying demon's remembrance.
Raghunatha grants the asura his own divine state. The shaft that stopped Maricha's body opens what fear and longing had made him seek. Golden skin and demonic form are both left upon the forest floor while the gift of the compassionate Lord carries him beyond them.
Flowers cover the place where deception ended and the friend of the helpless gave his own abode.
Read the passage from the Manas
बिपुल सुमन सुर बरषहिं गावहिं प्रभु गुन गाथ। निज पद दीन्ह असुर कहुँ दीनबंधु रघुनाथ।।27।।
The devas rained down flowers in abundance and sang hymns praising the Lord's glorious deeds. Deenabandhu Raghunath, the friend of the helpless, granted his own divine feet to the asura.