Guha Places His Kingdom at Ram's Feet
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 88
Doha 88 · Movement 1 of 2
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News reaches Guha, chief of the Nishadas. He calls his kin, gathers loads of fruits, roots, and gifts, and approaches Ram with boundless joy.
He falls full length, sets every offering before the Lord, and gazes with natural love. Ram asks after him and seats the friend close.
Guha declares himself blessed by the sight of Ram's feet. Earth, wealth, home, city, family, and self are all offered for service. Let Ram enter and make everyone rejoice. Ram honours the truth of his beloved friend but explains that Dasharatha's command allows no village dwelling.
Guha lays a whole kingdom before Ram, and Ram receives the love while remaining faithful to the forest command.
Read the passage from the Manas
यह सुधि गुहँ निषाद जब पाई। मुदित लिए प्रिय बंधु बोलाई।। लिए फल मूल भेंट भरि भारा। मिलन चलेउ हिंयँ हरषु अपारा।। करि दंडवत भेंट धरि आगें। प्रभुहि बिलोकत अति अनुरागें।। सहज सनेह बिबस रघुराई। पूँछी कुसल निकट बैठाई।। नाथ कुसल पद पंकज देखें। भयउँ भागभाजन जन लेखें।। देव धरनि धनु धामु तुम्हारा। मैं जनु नीचु सहित परिवारा।। कृपा करिअ पुर धारिअ पाऊ। थापिय जनु सबु लोगु सिहाऊ।। कहेहु सत्य सबु सखा सुजाना। मोहि दीन्ह पितु आयसु आना।।
When Guha, the Nishad chief, received this news, he joyfully called his dear kinsmen. Gathering fruits, roots, and gifts filling many loads, he set out to meet them with boundless joy in his heart. Bowing low in dandavat and placing his offerings before the Lord, he gazed upon Prabhu with intense love. Overcome by sahaj sneha (natural, effortless affection), Raghurai asked after his welfare and seated him close by. 'Nath, all is well now that I have seen your lotus feet. I count myself among the blessed, numbered among your jan (devotees).' 'Deva, this earth, this wealth, this home are all yours. I am but your humble servant, along with my entire family.' 'Show your kripa (grace) and place your feet in our city. Establish your people here and let everyone rejoice.' 'You speak complete truth, wise and dear sakha (friend). But my father has given me a different command.'