Lakshmana Clings to Ram's Feet without Words
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 70
Doha 70 · Movement 1 of 2
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News of exile reaches Lakshmana and he rushes forward, face stricken, body trembling, and eyes filled with tears. He clasps Ram's feet but love has taken away his voice.
Like a fish pulled from water, he wonders whether Ram will leave him at home or take him along. Every happiness seems ended until his brother's decision is known.
Ram has already released body and household like grass. Seeing Lakshmana folded before him, he asks the brother not to be overcome but to consider the good that may arise. Calm counsel meets a devotion whose whole world is still gripping two feet.
Lakshmana cannot ask to go; his trembling hands around Ram's feet speak before his voice returns.
Read the passage from the Manas
समाचार जब लछिमन पाए। ब्याकुल बिलख बदन उठि धाए।। कंप पुलक तन नयन सनीरा। गहे चरन अति प्रेम अधीरा।। कहि न सकत कछु चितवत ठाढ़े। मीनु दीन जनु जल तें काढ़े।। सोचु हृदयँ बिधि का होनिहारा। सबु सुखु सुकृत सिरान हमारा।। मो कहुँ काह कहब रघुनाथा। रखिहहिं भवन कि लेहहिं साथा।। राम बिलोकि बंधु कर जोरें। देह गेह सब सन तृनु तोरें।। बोले बचनु राम नय नागर। सील सनेह सरल सुख सागर।। तात प्रेम बस जनि कदराहू। समुझि हृदयँ परिनाम उछाहू।।
When Lakshmana received the news, he became deeply distressed and rushed forward with a grief-stricken face. His body trembling with emotion and his eyes brimming with tears, he clasped Rama's feet, overwhelmed by love. Unable to utter a single word, he stood gazing, pitiful as a fish pulled from water. In his heart he wondered, "What will fate bring now? All our happiness and good fortune have come to an end." He thought, "What will Raghunatha (Rama) say to me? Will He keep me at home, or will He take me along?" Seeing His brother standing with folded hands, Rama, who had already broken all ties with body and home as though they were blades of grass, spoke. Rama, that ocean of virtue, affection, simplicity, and joy, uttered words worthy of His noble nature. He said, "Dear brother, do not be overcome with distress out of love. Reflect in your heart, and take joy in what the outcome will bring."